A proper French confrontation is envisaged over plans to drive a new autoroute connection around Bordeaux through the vineyards of Margaux. One of the most prestigious Bordeaux appellations (probably with a fair amount of political clout) could be seriously blighted by both concrete and fuel emissions. Three of the five proposed routes will either cut the Margaux appellation area in two or go around it. Other appellations that could be affected under the proposal include the Medoc, Haut Medoc, Listrac-Medoc, Moulis, Cotes de Blaye and Cotes de Bourg.
True, Bordeaux can be a bit of a bottleneck on the route down the Atlantic coast towards the Spanish border, although recent work on the major bridge over the Garonne (Pont de l'Aquitaine) appears to have eased some of the problems of recent years.
Margaux is the most southerly of the major appellations on the Medoc - i.e. the west bank of the Gironde - and hence closer to the city of Bordeaux and where the Garonne and Dordogne meet. Hence the river crossing here will be the narrowest.Margaux includes 21 of the Medoc's 60 Cru Classes including the prestigious first-growth Chateau Margaux. This is a classy wine area - no co-operative here! The wines tend to be very rich and long-lasting.
Oddbins has a small selection of Margaux including Château Pontet-Chappaz (Expressive aromas of red fruits, spices and mellow oak on the nose. On the palate the wine is mouthfilling and silky with lingering tannins) for £16.49
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