Listrac-Médoc AOC

The village of Listrac takes its name from the Latin word 'listra', meaning border or edge, reflecting its historic position between the Médoc forest and its vineyards. Winemaking in the area developed strongly from the 18th century, and several smallholdings were already noted for their viticultural ambitions by that period. The appellation received official AOC recognition on 8 June 1957, the most recent of the Médoc's six communal appellations. The name was formally extended to Listrac-Médoc in 1986 to avoid confusion with the Lirac appellation of the southern Rhône Valley. The modern era saw major investment from distinguished owners: Baron Edmond de Rothschild purchased Château Clarke in 1973 and completely replanted its vineyards between 1974 and 1979, while the Mommeja brothers of the Hermès family acquired Château Fourcas-Hosten in 2006.

• Name derived from Latin 'listra' meaning border, reflecting the village's position between Médoc forest and vineyards
• AOC status officially granted 8 June 1957; the suffix 'Médoc' added in 1986 to distinguish from Rhône's Lirac appellation
• Château Clarke acquired by Baron Edmond de Rothschild in 1973, with full vineyard replanting completed by 1979
• Château Fourcas-Hosten purchased in 2006 by Laurent and Renaud Mommeja, heirs to the Hermès luxury group

Listrac-Médoc occupies an inland position in the Haut-Médoc, located north of Moulis and set back from the Gironde estuary, which means it misses some of the temperature-moderating influence that benefits riverside communes. The appellation sits atop the highest terrain in the Médoc, with elevations reaching 43 meters at the Fourcas plateau. This elevated position provides excellent drainage and air circulation. The terroir divides into two contrasting soil types: clay-limestone soils on the historic western plateau favor Merlot for its roundness and fruit, while Pyrenean gravel deposits to the east offer better drainage and support Cabernet Sauvignon. The appellation is bordered by expansive Landes pine forest to the west, and benefits from a temperate maritime climate moderated by the Atlantic Ocean and the Garonne River.

• Elevation reaches 43 meters at the Fourcas plateau, the highest point in the Médoc, earning Listrac the informal title 'roof of the Médoc'
• Clay-limestone soils on the western plateau favor Merlot; Pyrenean gravel deposits to the east suit Cabernet Sauvignon
• Inland position, further from the Gironde than other communes, creates slightly cooler conditions and extends ripening periods
• Surrounded by approximately 4,400 hectares of Landes pine forest, contributing to the appellation's biodiversity and microclimate

Listrac-Médoc produces exclusively red wines, and is notably the only PDO in the Médoc where Merlot takes center stage, a choice driven directly by the clay-limestone soils that suit the variety's preference for moisture retention. Permitted varieties are Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Malbec, and Carménère. The typical aromatic profile features blackcurrant, blackberry, and plum, with hints of licorice, sweet spice, and leather emerging with cellaring. The palate is generous and fruit-driven, with firm but approachable tannins that soften over time. Wines are noted for their freshness and roundness relative to other Médoc communes, and can be enjoyed in relative youth, though the best examples reward several years in the cellar.

• Merlot is the leading variety at most top estates, thriving on clay-limestone soils; Cabernet Sauvignon performs best on the Pyrenean gravel parcels
• Château Clarke's 58-hectare vineyard is planted to 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, reflecting the appellation's Merlot-forward identity
• Aromatic profile centers on dark fruit (blackcurrant, blackberry, plum) with spice, vanilla, and leathery notes developing with age
• Wines are described as round and generous with good freshness, generally more approachable in youth than gravel-based neighboring communes

Listrac-Médoc's reputation is anchored by a small group of high-profile estates. Château Clarke, with its 58-hectare vineyard replanted under Baron Edmond de Rothschild from 1974, is today managed by Ariane Rothschild and advised by renowned oenologist Michel Rolland. Château Fourcas-Hosten, an 18th-century estate of 47 hectares, was transformed after its 2006 acquisition by Laurent and Renaud Mommeja of the Hermès family; it holds Cru Bourgeois Supérieur status and is in conversion to organic viticulture. Château Fonréaud, a Cru Bourgeois Supérieur owned by the Chanfreau family since 1962 and now in its fourth generation under Guillaume and Loïc Chanfreau, farms approximately 34 hectares on Pyrenean gravel and clay-limestone. Château Fourcas Dupré, with 46 hectares, is another respected Cru Bourgeois Supérieur with roots in the early 18th century. The Cave de Grand Listrac cooperative accounts for roughly 25% of appellation production.

• Château Clarke: 58 hectares, 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon; Cru Bourgeois Supérieur; owned by Edmond de Rothschild estates and managed today by Ariane Rothschild
• Château Fourcas-Hosten: 47 hectares, Cru Bourgeois Supérieur; acquired in 2006 by Laurent and Renaud Mommeja of Hermès; converting to organic certification
• Château Fonréaud: Chanfreau family estate since 1962, now fourth generation; Cru Bourgeois; member of the Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux
• Château Fourcas Dupré: 46 hectares, Cru Bourgeois Supérieur classification; roots tracing to the early 18th century

Listrac-Médoc AOC produces exclusively red wine from the commune of Listrac-Médoc. Permitted grape varieties are Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Carménère, and Malbec. Vineyard planting density is set at a minimum of 7,000 vines per hectare, with a maximum base yield of approximately 50 hectoliters per hectare. The appellation contains none of the 61 estates classified in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification, meaning no Grand Cru status is available to its wines. The highest attainable classification is Cru Bourgeois Supérieur within the Alliance des Crus Bourgeois du Médoc framework. The Cru Bourgeois classification system was renewed in 2003 and is reviewed periodically; seven Listrac producers were selected in the 2025 Cru Bourgeois classification.

• Exclusively red wine AOC; white wines produced in the commune must be labeled as generic Bordeaux Blanc
• Minimum planting density of 7,000 vines per hectare; permitted varieties include Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Carménère, and Malbec
• No 1855 Classified Growths; highest classification available is Cru Bourgeois Supérieur within the Alliance des Crus Bourgeois du Médoc
• Seven Listrac producers were selected in the 2025 edition of the Cru Bourgeois classification

Listrac-Médoc is located approximately 30 minutes from Bordeaux city by car, making it accessible as a day trip from the city. The village sits along the Route Nationale 215 linking Bordeaux to Soulac-sur-Mer, a position that has historically benefited trade in the region. Château Clarke offers estate tours highlighting the Rothschild philosophy of vineyard management, while Château Fourcas-Hosten welcomes visitors to its beautifully restored 18th-century manor, whose interiors were redesigned by the Mommeja brothers after their 2006 acquisition. Château Fonréaud provides guided tastings and has been certified Terra Vitis and High Environmental Value since 2015 and 2018 respectively. The Cave de Grand Listrac cooperative is also open to visitors and represents a significant share of the appellation's output.

• Appellation is approximately 30 minutes from Bordeaux city center; accessible via the Route Nationale 215
• Château Fourcas-Hosten: visits and tastings available by appointment; restored 18th-century manor house with park
• Château Fonréaud: certified Terra Vitis and High Environmental Value; fourth-generation Chanfreau family hosts guided tours and tastings
• Cave de Grand Listrac cooperative welcomes visitors and represents roughly 25% of the appellation's annual production