Médoc’s First White Wine Appellation
On 6 February 2025, INAO (Institut National de l’Origine et de la Qualité) approved the specification for the creation of the Médoc Blanc appellation, a process initiated in 2018 and formally presented in 2023. Until now, white wines from this region could only be marketed as Bordeaux Blanc, despite a long history of white wine production.
Historically, white wine production had a tradition in Médoc, but it was left out when the Médoc appellation was officially established. The long-tolerated practice of marketing white wines under the respective communal appellation was banned in the 1960s. Currently, only 9,500 hectolitres of white Bordeaux are produced in the Médoc on 208 hectares by 89 producers, including such famous cuvées as the Pavillon Blanc from Château Margaux or the Blanc de Lynch-Bages.
The future Médoc Blanc AOC will cover the same area as the region’s red wine appellations, encompassing all eight Médoc sub-appellations. The permitted grape varieties remain predominantly traditional, including Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignon Gris, Sémillon, and Muscadelle, alongside six fungus-resistant and experimental varieties. Chardonnay, Chenin, and Manseng, which were initially considered, are not authorized.
At least 30% of the final cuvée must be aged in wood, to ensure the classic Médoc profile. This requirement has already prompted some winemakers to announce that they will continue producing stainless steel-aged Bordeaux Blanc alongside an AOC Médoc Blanc matured in wood.
Rhône’s ‘Symphony in white major’
In the Côtes-du-Rhône, the region’s 18th cru, Laudun, officially established in September 2024, has confirmed its marketing focus on white wines. Located north of Lirac on the west bank of the Rhône, Laudun became the first new cru in nine years.
With 27% of its production already dedicated to white wines in 2024 (red wine accounted for 73% of the region’s 584 hectares), Laudun aims to capitalize on its cooler, north-facing terroir, which enhances acidity and freshness. At Wine Paris 2025, the regional wine industry association launched a campaign under the slogan “Symphonie en blanc majeur”, emphasizing the role of white wines in boosting the region’s visibility for opinion leaders and professionals, ultimately enhancing the reputation of its red wines as well.
Beaujolais Sets Ambitious White Wine Growth Targets
There are also major plans for white wine production in Beaujolais. At Wine Paris, Inter Beaujolais, the trade association for AOC wines from Beaujolais, announced that it aims to triple white wine production within five to ten years in response to current consumer trends.
Currently, according to Vice President Sébastien Kargul, the production of white Beaujolais is still very small, accounting for only 3 to 4% of total production, or 20,000 to 25,000 hectoliters out of 400,000 to 500,000 hectoliters. This volume is considered insufficient to open up new markets. With a target of 80,000 hectolitres in the next five to ten years, Beaujolais blanc would become much more visible. #
However, because the region's Chardonnay grapes are currently mainly labelled as Bourgogne Blanc or are used in Crémants, Jean-Marc Lafont, president of Inter Beaujolais, urged winemakers to engage more within the region and strengthen the profile of Beaujolais Blanc. SP
