White is in, red is out; at least among many younger wine drinkers worldwide. And Bordeaux seems to have understood that: for the first time in history, the famous red appellation Médoc is getting a white counterpart.
Text: Ingrid Larmoyeur (The Wine Institute) | Image: Unsplash
Until now, white wines from this area were only allowed to be labelled as Bordeaux Blanc. But on 6 February, the INAO (the French institute that approves appellations) officially approved a new appellation: Médoc Blanc AOP.
The first wines may be made from the 2025 harvest and will thus appear on the market from 2026. This will give the Médoc, the bastion of cabernet sauvignon and merlot, a surprising new face.
New rules
The grape varieties allowed are the classic white Bordeaux varieties: sauvignon blanc, sauvignon gris, sémillon and muscadelle. In a few years, max 30% of varieties such as chardonnay, chenin or viognier, so-called 'adaptive' varieties that can better adapt to Bordeaux's changing climate in the future, could be added.
New rules also currently include mandatory wood ageing of at least 30% for three months. Médoc blanc does remain a rarity for now: only around 100 hectares of vineyard currently comply with the new appellation's rules.
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