Is Médoc or Saint-Emilion better?

Médoc and Saint-Emilion are two appellations that belong to Bordeaux. However, the former lies on the Left Bank of the Garonne river, whereas the latter lies on the Right Bank.

Bordeaux wines are a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, mostly. But the proportions depend on the Bank you are in, due to the terroir. Indeed, Bordeaux are known to match the perfect soil with the perfect grape in order to enhance, what we call, the terroir effect.

So which one is better : is Médoc or Saint-Emilion better?

What kind of wine is a Médoc?

The geographical Médoc contains two main appellations : Médoc and Haut-Médoc, with its prestigious sub-appellations.

AOC Médoc wines will have medium acidity and can be drunk young and will not gain much with bottle aging.

However, Haut-Médoc wines will also have medium acidity with high tannins (due to the Cabernet Sauvignon), high alcohol and complexity. These wines are made for aging. There is also a lot of terroir diversity in the sub-appellation which makes this region quite complex (but in a good way!)

Young wines will present aromas of cassis, blackberry, black cherry, liquorice, vanilla, coffee bean, spices… When aging, these aromas will become tobacco leaf, truffle, cigar, leather, spices, wet soil…

What kind of wine is a St-Emilion ?

Like any Bordeaux, Saint-Emilion wines are blends of several grape varieties, mostly Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Some winemakers might also add Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot.

However, Cabernet Franc is mostly used to bring the tannins and body to the wine instead of Cabernet Sauvignon, because due to the lower temperatures, the latter will ripen with more difficulty.

The notable exception is the Château Figeac where Cabernet Sauvignon represents one third of the planted grape varieties.

Otherwise, Cabernet Franc is used to one third of the blends. Well, except for the famous winerie Cheval Blanc. There Cabernet Franc is over 50% of the blend.

Concerning the aromas, the Merlot will bring the fruity characters and the Cabernet Franc the spices and flowery aromas. Thus, Saint-Emililon wines will present aromas of plum, black cherry, blueberry, liquorice, chocolate, smoke, spice… When aging, these aromas will become truffle, flowers, spice…

All in all, Saint-Emilion wine is a dry, red wine from the Right Bank in Bordeaux. It has high acidity and is mostly full-bodied. It will present flavours of plum, black cherry, blueberry, liquorice, chocolate, smoke, spice… When aging, these aromas will become truffle, flowers, spice… Its tannins are velvety in the mouth and will thin down with age.

It depends on the food pairing

Red Left Bank Bordeaux wines are usually Cabernet Sauvignon – dominated wines. This means these wines are full-bodied with black fruits, spices and earthy flavors. It has high tannins.

These tannins will work with the proteins in the red meat to enhance its flavors. Its texture and earthy flavors will work wonders with heavy, fat spicy steaks or lambs, which is a richer meat, accompanied by mushrooms, truffle… Concerning the vegetables, fennel will enhance the earthy side of the Cabernet.

Red Right Bank Bordeaux are usually Merlot-dominant. These wines are still full-bodied but with a little fewer tannins and more red fruits flavors.

It works wonders with more savory meats such as pork or duck. If you like bitter-sweet combinations, you can cook your duck with orange-sauce and associate with a young Merlot, whose fruity primary flavors will stand out.

Is Médoc or Saint-Emilion better?

Well, it depends on two things : WHICH Médoc you are talking about and which Saint Emilion and the other thing is your TASTE.

Both will have high tannins but you will feel them less in Saint-Emilion wines. The latters will be fruitier.

Médoc wines will be more powerful with herbaceous and black fruit aromas.

Both will age well, but Médoc wines, have more tannins, will age for a longer time.

So, do you prefer to drink your wines young or old? If it’s young, I would suggest a Saint-Emilion. If it’s old, better go with a 20-year-old Médoc.

Do you prefer your wines fruitier? If so, go with a Saint-Emilion.

Do you enjoy tannins and the power and velvety texture they bring? Perhaps choose a Médoc.

If you enjoy both, try looking at the food you want to make and pair the wine accordingly.

Conclusion : Is Médoc or Saint-Emilion better?

Not one is better than the other in general. And the famous Châteaux you can find on both sides attest of that. However, the real question is : which one is better for YOU?

Well first, it depends on your taste. Saint-Emilion wines tend to be fruitier than Médoc wines. Second, it depends on the food you plan on pairing it with. If you’re going for grilled beef, a Médoc with its high tannins will be better. If you’re going for duck, pair it with a fruitier wine like Saint-Emilion.

Do you have a personal favorite? Let me know in the comments!

And if you need to taste more, I would recommend SomMailier. Why? Because they’re bring you to family-owned wineries with small yields. So you’ll be able to taste wines you wouldn’t find at your local shop. Check out my full review to get all the information you need.