Bordeaux

The city of Bordeaux and the surrounding region occupy the coveted lands dividing northern and southern France. Bordeaux's mosaic of different types of land comes from two main sources. On the left bank of the Garonne and along its estuary for more 150 km, the area known as Haut Médoc has soils which are primarily alluvial. These soils are particularly special as they contain polished river stones called graves that were carried downriver more than 600 km from the Pyrenees. They are contained in warm, well-drained terraces that are perfectly suited for growing grapes, and particularly for Cabernet Sauvignon. On the right side of the river, the landscape in the Pomerol region is more rounded and earthy, with clay-limestone riverbanks and hills, as well as deeper soils that are excellent for varieties like Merlot.