Wine Moulis

Moulis derives from Latin and means mill

Moulis is an appellation dedicated to the production of dry red wines, whose commune is located in the Médoc wine region, more precisely in the Haut-Médoc. It is surrounded by the communes of Margaux to the south, and that of Listrac to the north, and 49 winemakers are the producers.

What sets Moulis apart from its neighbouring appellations is that it is one of only two communal AOCs, along with Listrac, to have none of the classified crus of the Médoc. Moulis has the smallest vineyard of the region, but is also the oldest AOC of the Medoc, since it was officially created in 1938. It is thus on the left bank of Bordeaux, that this wine appellation so appreciated has evolved over the centuries.

The commune of Moulis takes its name as a tribute to the many mills present in the Médoc, built over the years. Indeed, the etymology of this word comes from the Latin: molinis, which means "water mill", or "windmill". The vines of this appellation of controlled origin have been cultivated since the Middle Ages. Although now recognised, the reputation of AOC Moulis only really came to light in the late 19th century.

It has a double appellation, Moulis and can also be referred to as Moulis-en-Médoc. This AOC, dedicated to the production of red wine, has only unclassified vintages, some of which are labelled "cru Bourgeois", or "cru Artisan". The wine production of the AOC must come from the commune of Moulis, as well as 6 other neighbouring communes: Arcins, Avensan, Castelnau-de-Médoc, Cussac-Fort-Médoc, Lamarque and Listrac.

Characteristics of the Moulis-en-Médoc vineyard

The Bordeaux terroir is divided into 4 wine regions: Moulis is on the first area known as "les terrains de Graves", on the left bank of Bordeaux. To its right is the "Entre-Deux-Mers", then above it the "Libournais viticole"; finally to the north is the last wine area "Bourgeais-Blayais". Each of these areas benefits from a different climate and terroir.

Moulis is located on one of the three vineyards of the Graves terrain, and has the most beautiful Graves plateau in the terroir. The climate in this part of the region is typically oceanic, or temperate oceanic and fears spring frosts. As temperatures have become milder in recent years, the Moulis vineyards are enjoying warmer temperatures and more good weather.

The Graves land on which Moulis vines are grown has a variety of soil types. The characteristics of the AOC wines vary according to these: Some parcels are composed of Garonne gravel, Pyrenean gravel, or chalky-clay, sandy but also silty soils. These dry red wines are made from 6 different grape varieties:

The Merlot and Cabernet-Sauvignon are generally present in equal quantities. To these two main varieties are added Cabernet-Franc and Malbec. Two rare other varieties complete the Moulis blend in smaller quantities: Petit Verdot and Carménère. The grape varieties introduced in small quantities give a beautiful complexity to the red wines of the appellation, which makes them truly unique.

This small AOC runs over a vineyard of about 600 hectares, in a long, narrow strip 400 metres wide, about 12 kilometres long. The average production of Moulis wines is about 30,000 hectolitres per year, which is pretty decent given the size of its vineyard. The basic authorised yield is limited to 57 hectolitres per hectare.

Tasting the dry red wines of Moulis

AOC Moulis offers elegant, harmonious and melting red wines, mixing finesse and virility. The richness of its terroir offers a unique character and typicity to its Bordeaux wines. The bouquet of complex aromas of a red wine of Moulis translates into scents of red and cooked fruits, but also vanilla, spices, roasted coffee, liquorice, or even cinnamon...

The tannic structure of these wines makes them robust and powerful. They have an excellent capacity for ageing, becoming powerful and long in the mouth over the years. Its colour is particularly dark, ruby. The darker the wine, the better its ageing potential.

What are the great vintages in Moulis?

The Moulis appellation d'origine contrôlée has a very interesting ageing potential, ranging from 5 years to 15 years of age, or even more. The best vintages made in the Moulis vineyard have been from the years: 1928, 1929, 1943, 1945, 1947, 1949, 1953, 1955, 1959, 1961, 1966, 1982, 1985, 1990, 1996 and 2005.

Exceptional years are 1949, 1986, 1989, 2000, and most recently 2009. The years 1929 and 1945 are so-called "crus du siècle" wines and the crus du millénaire were produced in the years 1961, 1982, 1990 and 2005.

What to pair a Moulis with

Moulis dry red wine should be served at an ideal temperature of about 15°C. To enjoy an optimal tasting, we recommend aerating the wine, especially when it is still young. The older the Moulis, the more you should let it decant before tasting. The aromas and flavours of the wine will only be enhanced.

The perfect cheeses to serve with AOC wines are: Dauville, Colombier de Sivry, Cendré de Vergy or Rincette au calvados, etc.