Listrac in the Gironde region is one of those towns that you drive through 50 times before one day you decide to stop and try out the local bakery.. A nice surprise as the coffee is good. Just park up at the wine co-op parking and head back for a morning coffee and croissants. Next, an after lunch visit to the wine co-op where you can pick up a bottle or a "cubie" from one of the local vineyards.
You can smell the fermentation of the wine when you walk into the building and if you time your visit during the months of September and October (all depends on the weather) you will have the added fun of watching the workers bring in the grapes and preparing the vinification. Just watch out when you are driving, as the little tractors with a trailer full of grapes seem to take over the village when the harvest is on.
The village boasts also a fine collection of chateau’s including Château Fonreaud, Château Lestage, Château Clarke, Château Fourcas Hosten and Château Listrac, each one enjoying the views of the Haut-Médoc and the history of the Cistercian monks from the 12th Century.
Great Idea ..! Why not take a wine tour? Most of the chateau's (some will need to be booked in advance) will open the front door to their winery. You can have a guided tour of the wine making process. Each tour normally finishes with a wine tasting session back at the chai, when you can sometimes meet up with the owner of the vineyard (depending on the chateau).
Here are some key points about the red wines from Listrac-Médoc:
Grapes : Listrac-Médoc wines are typically made from a blend of grape varieties. Cabernet Sauvignon is often the dominant grape, contributing structure and tannins, while Merlot adds roundness and fruitiness. Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot may also be included in smaller proportions.
Terroir : Listrac-Médoc benefits from the unique terroir of the Médoc region. The vineyards here are characterized by gravelly, well-draining soils, which are excellent for growing the grape varieties used in Bordeaux wines. The combination of soil, climate, and topography contributes to the wine's character.
Flavor Profile : Listrac-Médoc wines are known for their complex flavors and aromas. You can expect to find notes of blackcurrant, blackberry, plum, and sometimes a hint of cedar or tobacco. These wines often have a good balance of fruitiness and structure.
Aging Potential : Listrac-Médoc wines are known for their aging potential. They can improve with several years of bottle aging, softening the tannins and developing more complex and nuanced flavors.
Appellation : In order for a wine to be labeled as Listrac-Médoc, it must meet specific appellation regulations. These regulations dictate the grape varieties allowed, vineyard practices, and winemaking techniques. The appellation is part of the larger Médoc region, which includes other famous wine appellations like Margaux, Pauillac, and Saint-Julien.
Food Pairing : Listrac-Médoc wines pair well with classic Bordeaux wine accompaniments, including red meat dishes such as lamb and beef. They also complement dishes with rich sauces, hearty stews, and strong cheeses.
written : 2022 / latest update : 2023
