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Listrac-Medoc is a red wine appellation of the Haut-Medoc district of Bordeaux. It takes its name from the parish of Listrac-Medoc, where grapes using the title must be grown.
The Listrac-Medoc appellation is the least prestigious of the Haut-Medoc titles, for a variety of reasons. Unlike Margaux or Pauillac, it is situated in an area of limestone and clay soils (rather than gravel and clay), and is a little further from the temperature-moderating influences of the Gironde estuary. The soils are also more shallow here than in surrounding areas, meaning that the vine roots do not run very deep; this results in less-complex wines.
These reasons might not seem sufficient for a wine-producing area to be markedly less prestigious, but the precise location and soil make-up of Pauillac and Margaux (lying to the north and south of Listrac-Medoc respectively) are exactly the factors that have made them sources of exceptional wine.
Wines labeled AOC Listrac-Medoc are made predominantly from Cabernet Sauvignon, but may also be produced from Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Carmenere, Petit Verdot and Malbec. The appellation laws stipulate that the vineyards must be planted to densities of 6500 to 10,000 plants per hectare (2631 and 4048 per acre) and carefully controlled with specified vine-management techniques. The yield must not exceed 45hL per hectare and the resulting wines must reach a minimum alcohol level of 10.5%.
Listrac-Medoc wines are known for being dry and austere when young, but Merlot is increasingly be used to boost their softness and approachability.