Summary:

In this 'back to basics' session, suitable for those at the beginning of their journey or looking for a solid recap of the key facts, Anne will guide you through the most important sub-regions of the Médoc in Bordeaux. You'll cover the grape varieties, terroir, winemaking of appellations such as Pauillac, St Julien, St Estèphe and Margaux as well as taking a close look at the historic 1855 classification.

About the Speaker:

Anne is an award-winning Master of Wine, dynamic communicator and highly-respected wine educator based in London. She is one of 416 people globally to hold the title of MW, of whom 149 are women. She enjoys a varied and exciting career, with her teaching expertise, wine events and educational programmes spanning all levels from beginner to MW and designed for both consumers and trade alike. Read more about Anne at her website annemchale.com.

Timestamps:

Introduction to Médoc (00:00)
Anne McHale introduces herself and provides an overview of the webinar's content.

Climate and Grape Varieties (00:02)
The influence of the maritime climate and the grape varieties best suited for the Médoc region.

Exploring the Médoc Region (00:05)
Anne discusses the geography and key communes of the Médoc region, sharing personal experiences.

Historical Significance and Terroir (00:09)
The historical significance of the Médoc region and the unique terroir of the area.

Winemaking in Médoc (00:15)
An overview of the winemaking process for premium red wines in the Médoc region.

1855 Classification (00:21)
Discussion about the 1855 classification of Bordeaux wines and its historical context.

The 1855 Classification (00:23)
Explanation of the 1855 classification, its historical significance, and the limited changes made to it.

Promotion and Demotion in Classification (00:24)
Discussion on the limitations of applying for promotion in the 1855 classification and the two changes made to the classification.

Médoc Wine Classification and Controversies (00:25)
Insight into the Médoc classification, controversies, and the impact of lawsuits on other classifications.

Overview of Lesser-Known Areas (00:28)
Brief overview of the Médoc's lesser-known appellations, including their characteristics and value for money.

Margaux and Its Elegance (00:29)
Explanation of why Margaux produces elegant wines, including the influence of sandstone in the soil and the grape blend.

Saint-Julien's Style and Notable Chateaux (00:34)
Description of Saint-Julien's style, notable chateaux, and the influence of the Napoleonic laws on the region.

Pauillac's Robust Wines and Notable Chateaux (00:37)
Insight into Pauillac's robust wines, its terroir, and the influence of clay in the soil on the wine's characteristics.

Recap of Médoc's Terroir and Winemaking (00:40)
Summary of the region's terroir, winemaking process, and key points covered in the webinar.

Recommended Resources and Q&A (00:43)
Recommendations for further learning, including podcasts and webinars, followed by a Q&A session with the audience.

New Varieties in Bordeaux (00:47)
Discussion on the trend of experimenting with new grape varieties in Bordeaux and Alsace.

Chateaux Locations and Value (00:48)
Exploring the potential value in selecting chateaux located near classified ones and its impact on wine quality.

Impact of Grubbing Vines (00:49)
The effects of vine grubbing on Bordeaux region's wine production and market competition.

Tasting Left Bank vs. Right Bank Bordeaux (00:51)
Tips and differences in tasting left bank and right bank Bordeaux wines, focusing on blends and flavor profiles.

Conclusion and Future Events (00:54)
Closing remarks, gratitude, and announcement of future events.