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The Médoc Winegrowers' Association (ODG) has presented its specifications for the white AOC Mèdoc. At least 30 percent of the white wines are to be aged in barriques to give them typicity to distinguish them from other appellations such as Entre-deux-Mers. In blind tastings, all white wines that were not aged in wood were recognised as Bordeaux, but were not classified as typical of the Médoc. In addition, the ODG wants to allow the varieties Chardonnay, Chenin, Gros Manseng and Viognier. They are already grown in small quantities in the area.
The main varieties for white Médoc are still Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, Sauvignon Gris and Muscadelle. However, the Piwi varieties Floréal, Sauvignac, Souvignier gris, Alvarinho, Liliorila and Voltis are also permitted. They may account for a maximum of five percent of the cultivated area and ten percent of the assemblage. In addition, Chardonnay, Gros Manseng, Viognier, Chenin Blanc and Petit Manseng are also to be included. However, as they are not allowed to make up more than 15 percent of the vineyard area and the composition of the cuvées, they cannot be mentioned on the label. As the spokespersons of the appellation explained, they want to gain experience with these varieties by including them in the official grape variety list in order to be prepared for the future and climate change.
For its specifications, the Médoc winegrowers' association refers to the history of white wines in the region, which was extensively documented in the 19th and 20th centuries. They are currently experiencing a renaissance: in 2017, 50 producers were growing white wine on 90 ha, but by 2022 there were already 75 producers on 173 ha.
(al / source: vitisphere)