Its history
Already very famous in the 18th century, the commune came back into favour again at the beginning of the last century. In 1913, Listrac, with 1,380 hectares of vines, was one of the largest vine-growing villages in the Médoc peninsula, but the crisis of the thirties changed this. In 1935 the Cave Grand-Listrac was born, thanks to 25 winegrowers uniting into a co-operative to face the economic difficulties of the time. Today there are almost 40 members and they export all around the world.
The history of the Listrac AOC is intimately bound to that of a group of men who managed to get their wines recognized by obtaining the status of appellation of controlled origin, in 1957.
Listrac-Médoc became one of the six communal appellations in the Médoc thanks to the individuality and the fame of its wines.
The terroir
Lying between Moulis and Saint-Julien, Listrac is the “roof of the Médoc” rising proudly to a height of 43 metres. Three magnificent outcrops of Pyrenean gravel on the west, an outcrop of Garonne gravel to the east and a central plain of limestone make up the richness of this terroir, akin to that of Moulis on its east side.
The natural slopes ensure that the soils are well drained. The relative coolness of the climate, together with its windy situation and proximity to the forest favours the slow, even ripening process so important for great wines.
The majority of the gravelly outcrops are planted with Cabernet-Sauvignons, which give Listrac wine all its vivacity; Merlot predominates – on the limestone plateau, making up the majority of this AOC, giving fruit and fleshiness.
Tasting
The wines of Listrac have an extraordinary volume, filling the palate. Always present and well structured, it is the perfect blend of the fruit of Merlot and the power of Cabernet Sauvignon. It is full and silky, a blend of spirit and virility. Its colour takes on a ruby tint with the passing of time. The different elements melt into one another to give a velvety, fresh and gourmand wine.
Crus