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)

South of Bordeaux and indeed now incorporating some of the expanding suburbs of the city, Graves is a gravelly area producing some of the best dry whites of the region and also some supple reds. (CW 11/01/12)

Right bank covers a multitude of sins, from Pomerol- Belgium`s favourite region, to St-Emilion - home to seventy of the world`s most expensive wine shops. There is also a multitude of satellite appellations like Bourg and Blaye. Although closely associated with Merlot, both the Cabernets are well represented where the soil type is appropriate. Essentially Merlot likes cold, damp clay, while the Cabernets don`t thrive in those conditions, preferring sand and gravel. (CW 11/01/12)

South of Bordeaux city, here is an area where the meso climate is strongly affected by the thermic shock caused by the Cerons joining the Gironde. The cold and faster flowing tributary hits the shallow and warmer river and creates fog that promotes the formation of Botrytis Cinerea (noble rot) which is a characteristic of these wines. All Barsac is Sauternes, since it is a sub region and has the reputation of being more delicate and fine than the wines from the area surrounding it. Dry whites can be made but even they are often affected by rot. (CW 11/01/12)

Bordeaux is the name of the world`s largest quality wine producing region. Bigger by far than Australia, it still has over eight thousand growers and is a microcosm of the modern western economy. Five percent of growers are extraordinarily wealthy and often have successful businesses in other fields, while much of the rest is on the edge of bankruptcy, with shrinking markets for their classically styled, traditional and inexpensive wines. Other Bordeaux is shorthand for all the non fashionable bits, including Entre-Deux-Mers. (CW 11/01/12)