The Medoc AOC was formerly a quagmire at the northern tip of the peninsula, this was home to more sheep than vines until drained by the Dutch in similar manner to the fens of East Anglia. It is still considered inferior to the Haut-Medoc, which can be whole meters higher than sea level. Nevertheless, the region is home to some very good value wines. It is the Haut-Medoc that produces the classic left bank wines, largely based on Cabernet and which has a variety of terroirs, the finest considered to be the intermittent gravel `croupes`or outcrops that are so good for Cabernet Sauvignon. (CW 11/01/12)