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Médoc Wines
Château Potensac, Château Amour
- Discover all our great wines from Médoc Appellation -
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J. Robinson
17/20
J. Suckling
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Available in
- Bottle (75cl)
- 29.00€ / bottle- Case of 12 bottles (75cl)
26.58€ / bottle
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J. Suckling
94-94
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Benefit of the 12th bottle offered by choosing the format : Case of 12 bottles.
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Available in
- Bottle (75cl)
- 33.00€ / bottle- Case of 12 bottles (75cl)
30.25€ / bottle
€33.00
Or €33.00 / bottle
TASTING NOTES
J. Robinson
16,5/20
Specifications
Benefit of the 12th bottle offered by choosing the format : Case of 12 bottles.
Degressive price applied automatically.
Available in
- Bottle (75cl)
- 33.00€ / bottle- Case of 12 bottles (75cl)
30.25€ / bottle
€33.00
Or €33.00 / bottle
TASTING NOTES
Wine Advocate
90-92
Wine Spectator
88-91
J. Robinson
17/20
J. Suckling
93-94
Specifications
Benefit of the 12th bottle offered by choosing the format : Case of 12 bottles.
Degressive price applied automatically.
Available in
- Bottle (75cl)
- 33.00€ / bottle- Case of 12 bottles (75cl)
30.25€ / bottle
€33.00
Or €33.00 / bottle
TASTING NOTES
Wine Advocate
90
J. Robinson
15
J. Suckling
94-95
Specifications
Benefit of the 12th bottle offered by choosing the format : Case of 12 bottles.
Degressive price applied automatically.
The Wines of Médoc
The Médoc appellation is one of the most famous in the Bordeaux wine region. Located on the left bank of the Gironde estuary, it spans approximately 15,000 hectares (80 km long and 10 km wide) and includes some of the world's most prestigious wines. The Médoc appellation is divided into several distinct zones, each producing wines with specific characteristics.
The History of Médoc Wines
The history of Médoc dates back to Roman times when the Romans introduced vine cultivation to the Bordeaux region. However, it was in the 17th century that the region began producing high-quality wines thanks to the influence of Dutch traders.
At that time, Médoc wines were little known and not highly regarded, as the region was considered poor and unsuitable for vine cultivation. However, the Dutch traders quickly discovered the region's potential and began buying land to plant vines. They also introduced innovative winemaking techniques, such as aging in oak barrels, which improved the quality and flavor of the wines. Thanks to these innovations, Médoc wines became increasingly popular and began to be exported worldwide.
In the 19th century, however, the region was struck by phylloxera, a pest that destroyed many vineyards in France. This had disastrous consequences for the Bordeaux wine industry, including Médoc wines. However, the region quickly recovered, with vintners replanting phylloxera-resistant vines.
In the 20th century, the Bordeaux wine industry was also affected by competition from New World wines, particularly those produced in California. Médoc winemakers had to face challenges such as the need to modernize their production and marketing techniques, as well as increasing competition from cheaper wines. Despite these challenges, Médoc wines remained among the most prestigious in the world, with wines such as Château Margaux, Château Lafite Rothschild, and Château Latour becoming symbols of luxury and prestige.
The Terroir of Médoc Wines
Located on the left bank of the Gironde, this wine region benefits from a temperate oceanic climate, characterized by mild winters, warm summers, and moderate precipitation throughout the year. This favorable climate, combined with well-draining clay-limestone soils, gives Médoc wines their distinctive character.
The soil is primarily composed of gravel, a mix of pebbles and stones, which allows for efficient drainage and heat retention. These soils are particularly suited to Bordeaux grape varieties, which require prolonged sun exposure to fully ripen.
Additionally, the Médoc terroir is divided into several zones based on sun exposure, altitude, and soil quality. The most renowned vineyards are located on well-drained gravel mounds, offering optimal growing conditions for the grapes.
The climatic conditions and unique terroir of the region are also key factors in the aging potential of the wines. Médoc red wines are often known for their ability to age for a long time, sometimes for several decades, while developing complex and subtle aromas and flavors.
The Grape Varieties of Médoc Wines
Médoc appellation wines are primarily made from three red grape varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. These varieties are grown in clay-limestone soils that give Médoc wines their distinctive character.
Cabernet Sauvignon is the dominant grape in the region, representing up to 70% of the plantings. It provides a tannic structure and high acidity, along with aromas of blackcurrant, black pepper, tobacco, and licorice. It is particularly well-suited to the Médoc’s poor, well-drained soils, which allow it to develop concentrated and complex flavors.
Merlot is the second most cultivated grape variety in the region, generally representing around 20% of the plantings. It brings a silky texture, aromas of red and black fruits, as well as notes of chocolate and vanilla. It is often used to soften wines made from Cabernet Sauvignon, adding roundness and complexity.
Cabernet Franc, which generally accounts for less than 10% of the plantings, is a lighter and fruitier grape than Cabernet Sauvignon. It provides aromas of cherry, raspberry, and spices, as well as a certain freshness and high acidity. It is often used in blends with Cabernet Sauvignon to add aromatic complexity.
In addition to these three main grape varieties, other varieties such as Petit Verdot and Malbec are sometimes used in small quantities to add color, structure, and complexity to Médoc wines. However, these varieties are not very widespread in the region and are often reserved for the best wines.
The Expertise of Médoc Wines
The expertise of Médoc wine producers dates back several centuries and is based on traditional viticultural practices passed down from generation to generation.
Firstly, the vines are carefully maintained throughout the year, using manual or mechanical methods to prune the vines, remove weeds, and regulate plant growth. The quality of the grapes is closely monitored during the growing season, with practices such as thinning the clusters to promote flavor concentration.
The grapes are then harvested by hand or machine, depending on the producer’s preference, and are carefully sorted to remove lower-quality clusters. The berries are then transported to the cellar to be pressed and fermented.
The grapes are fermented in stainless steel, wood, or concrete vats, according to the producer’s preference. Natural or added yeasts trigger fermentation, which can last from a few days to several weeks. The fermentation temperature is closely monitored to ensure optimal extraction of aromas and tannins.
Once fermentation is complete, the wines are aged in French oak barrels for several months to several years, depending on the style and quality of the wine. The wines are then bottled, labeled, and stored before being released to the market.
The Style of Médoc Wines
Médoc wines are red wines characterized by their firm tannic structure, balanced acidity, and aromatic complexity. They are produced from various grape varieties, but Cabernet Sauvignon is most often used as the dominant grape, while Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot are also frequently used to provide a silky texture and additional aromas.
The style of Médoc wines can vary depending on their specific terroir and vintage, but generally, they have a dark red color and high aromatic intensity, with aromas of red and black fruits, spices, cedar, and tobacco. On the palate, they have a firm tannic structure but are well balanced with lively acidity, deep flavors, and a long finish.
They are often aged in French oak barrels for a period ranging from 12 to 24 months, which gives them a smoother texture and adds aromas of vanilla and cedar to the primary flavors of fruit and spices. Médoc wines are often considered elegant and balanced rather than powerful and opulent, although this ultimately depends on the producer and the vintage.