Margaux AOC

Overview

Margaux is the southernmost and largest of the four communal appellations of the Haut-Médoc, renowned for producing Bordeaux’s most elegant and perfumed red wines. Home to the only First Growth outside of Pauillac—the legendary Château Margaux—this appellation creates wines that prioritize finesse over power, with silky tannins, floral aromatics, and remarkable complexity. Margaux’s gravelly soils and unique terroir produce a style that has made it the most “feminine” (historically) of the Médoc communes.

Geography & Climate

Location: Haut-Médoc; southern communal appellation; Gironde Estuary

Size: ~1,500 ha (largest Médoc commune)

Elevation: 5-20m (16-65 ft)

Climate: Maritime

Growing Degree Days: 1,500-1,700 GDD
Rainfall: 850-950mm
Temperature: Moderated by estuary

Topography: Distinctive gravel outcrops

Five communes actually (Margaux, Cantenac, Labarde, Arsac, Soussans)
Varied terroir
Quality varies more than other communes

Soil Types:

Gravel (best sites; deep)
Sand
Clay (lower areas)

Key Characteristic: Deep gravel + maritime climate = elegant, perfumed Cabernet.

Wine Style

Red (100%)

Character: Elegant, perfumed, silk

Violet, rose petals
Blackcurrant, cherry
Silky tannins (signature)
Medium to full body
Aromatic complexity
“Feminine” elegance

Margaux vs. Other Médoc:

Commune	Character
Margaux	Elegant, perfumed
Pauillac	Powerful, structured
Saint-Julien	Balanced, classic
Saint-Estèphe	Sturdy, tannic

1855 Classification

First Growth:

Château Margaux (only Margaux 1st Growth)

Second Growths:

Rauzan-Ségla
Rauzan-Gassies
Durfort-Vivens
Lascombes
Brane-Cantenac

Third Growths: Palmer, d’Issan, Giscours, Malescot St-Exupéry, Kirwan, Cantenac Brown, Boyd-Cantenac, Desmirail, Ferrière, Marquis d’Alesme

Many Classified Growths: 21 total (most of any commune)

Classification & Regulations

AOC Requirements:

Parameter	Requirement
Varieties	Cab Sauv, Merlot, Cab Franc, Petit Verdot
Yields	Max 45-50 hl/ha
Style	Red only

History

Timeline:

Roman era: Viticulture established
17th century: Margaux fame grows
1855: Classification (21 properties)
1954: AOC established
Today: Prestige appellation

Château Margaux: One of Bordeaux’s most beautiful estates; architectural landmark.

Key Constraints & Production Notes

Terroir Variation:

Best sites: Deep gravel
Lesser sites: Clay-influenced
Quality more variable than Pauillac
Site selection critical

Winemaking:

Traditional Bordeaux method
French oak (18-24 months)
Grand Vin selection
Second wines important

Aging Potential:

Cru Bourgeois: 8-15 years
Classified Growths: 15-30 years
First Growth: 25-50+ years

Notable Producers

First Growth:

Château Margaux (benchmark)

Other Benchmark Estates:

Château Palmer (approaches 1st Growth quality)
Château Rauzan-Ségla
Château Brane-Cantenac
Château Giscours
Château d’Issan
Château Malescot St-Exupéry
Château Prieuré-Lichine
Château du Tertre

Château Palmer: Third Growth performing at Second/First level; Super-Second.

The Château Margaux Story

Bordeaux’s Architectural Icon

Unique Status:

Only château to share commune name
Palladian architecture (1810-1816)
Paul Pontallier’s legacy
Defines Margaux elegance

Style: Pure, elegant, violet-scented; benchmark for appellation.

Common Challenges

Quality Variation

Cause: Large area; varied terroir.
Risk: Inconsistent experience.
Response: Focus on classified growths; know producers.

Under-Performing Estates

Cause: Historic classification; varied investment.
Risk: Disappointing wines at high prices.
Response: Research; current quality, not 1855 rank.

Food Pairing

Classic Matches:

Lamb
Beef
Duck
Fine cheeses
Elegant cuisine

References

INAO (2025). “Margaux AOC Cahier des Charges.” Link
Peppercorn, D. (2003). “Bordeaux.” Faber & Faber. WorldCat
Robinson, J., et al. (2006). “The Oxford Companion to Wine.” Oxford University Press. Publisher Link

Last Updated: January 11, 2026
Data Sources: INAO, CIVB
Research Grade: Technical reference

Permitted Varieties