Moulis, a well-kept treasure in the Médoc
Deliciously well-balanced and generous wines, a patchwork of terroirs and expertise deeply rooted in traditions. The stage is set: while Moulis (or Moulis-en-Médoc) is the smallest appellation in the Médoc, it is no less important. We’ll tell you all about this hidden gem!
What is the Moulis wine region?
Key points to remember
- 600 hectares of vines tended by 37 winegrowers, the majority of whom are independent, as well as a cooperative cellar.
- A thin strip of land which stretches out 7 km from east to west, between Margaux and Saint-Julien. A discreet, little-known location which is nevertheless incredibly desirable: with not one but multiple outstanding terroirs, Moulis is a bit like the Médoc but in miniature version. Read on to find out more!
- A resolutely laid-back atmosphere: Moulis is proud of its family-owned estates and authenticity which make it so appealing.
Why do people love Moulis and its wines?
- Because it is one of the oldest wine regions in the Médoc
- Because its very charming wines are sure to delight epicureans
- Because its diverse blends reveal all the richness of its remarkable terroirs
- Because these terroirs are rooted in history while their wines are resolutely turned towards the future
- Because it is intrinsically linked with nature: 92% of the area under vine is environmentally-certified
- Because the Maison du Vin is always delighted to welcome visitors: from tastings to châteaux tours and sports events, it is always on hand to help you experience Moulis to the full!
What is the Moulis
style?
Not too conventional, nor too extravagant, Moulis wines cleverly combine elegance and complexity, subtlety and generosity.
Charming and deliciously easygoing wines
Moulis produces wines with a rich array of aromas, silky tannins and a well-defined structure. As for cellaring, don’t worry: the communal appellation knows how to age gracefully.
Its wines have different profiles depending on the terroirs where they are produced. Gravel soils create powerful and complex wines with a precise expression and lovely long-lasting aromas. Clay-limestone soils result in full-bodied wines with volume and texture.
Authentic wines without artifice, perfect for all occasions!
Which kind of wines can be found in Moulis?
Red and nothing else!
Merlot, the appellation’s predominant grape variety, bestows roundness and freshness, giving these wines a certain je ne sais quoi which makes them so easygoing. Cabernet sauvignon provides finesse, structure and wonderful aging potential. Petit verdot enhances everything with a touch of acidity while cabernet franc, malbec and carménère are used in smaller proportions to add complexity and generosity. All in all, six grape varieties offering wonderful balance.
Fun facts
Three fun facts you need to know about Moulis
If you like juicy tidbits, you are in the right place!
1.
Moulis could have been named Rome! According to local legend, a pope ordered the construction of the Saint-Saturnin church in Moulis at the same time as another church in Italy. The reward for the one that was finished first? Its village would be called “Rome”. Moulis sadly lost the race, allegedly due to Beychevelle’s evil genius who slowed down the delivery of stones.
2.
The name of the village has its own history. “molinis” means “mill” in Latin, a tribute to the many windmills and water mills that were once commonplace in the surrounding area. Most of them were built on “jalles”, small Médoc streams which flow into the Gironde Estuary.
3.
“Ride and taste” could be the motto of the Médoc bikeride, held every year and which has passed through Moulis since 2024. Almost everyone dresses up, and circuits are dotted with wine tastings!
Let’s talk about the soil
The Moulis vineyards are a real patchwork of Médoc terroirs. To the east, Günz gravel rises, formed when the Garonne River flooded during the Quaternary period, offer meager, warm and perfectly drained soils.
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To the west lies a clay-limestone plain combining sand from the Landes and Pyrenean gravel (small white stones twinkling with quartz that date back to the end of the Tertiary period), a playing field which is particularly suited to growing merlot.
Let’s travel back in time
The first Moulis vines were planted in the 13th century: a good idea owed to several feudal estates and a strong religious community, as attested by the 11th century Roman church which is still standing today.
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The millers gradually switched to this new trade as their meager soils, naturally drained by the “jalles” which made rye and mills so successful, finally proved ideal for high-quality winegrowing. In fact, the first Moulis winegrower appeared in parish records in 1671.
The vineyards quickly expanded throughout the current commune of Moulis, from Bouqueyran to Bourg to Grand Poujeaux. In 1892, the appellation was home to 1,500 hectares and 200 estates… twice more than today! And the icing on the cake? Moulis became officially recognized in 1938 when it was granted PDO status.
