Médoc AOC Gains Approval to Produce Dry White Wines for First Time in Its History

The Médoc AOC, a well-known wine region in Bordeaux, France, has received approval to produce dry white wines for the first time in its history. The change follows several years of discussion among local producers and regulatory authorities. The Institut National de l’Origine et de la Qualité (INAO), which oversees French wine appellations, approved the new rules in 2024. The European Union gave its final approval on March 3, 2026, publishing the decision in the Journal of the European Union.

Since its creation in 1936, the Médoc AOC has been limited to dry red wines. The region is recognized for producing about 300,000 hectoliters of red wine each year, known for their quality and affordability. Until now, any white wines made in the area had to be labeled under the broader Bordeaux AOC designation, even if they came from prestigious estates such as Château Mouton Rothschild or Château Margaux.

Under the new regulations, Médoc AOC white wines must be made primarily from Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, Sauvignon Gris, and Muscadelle. These four grape varieties must make up at least 90% of the final blend. The rules also allow up to 5% of an estate’s vineyards and up to 10% of a wine’s blend to include certain other varieties—Alvarinho (Albariño), Liliorila, Sauvignac, Souvignier Gris, and Floréal—chosen for their potential resilience to climate change.

Producers must age their white wines on their own premises until at least March 31 of the year after harvest. At least 30% of each vintage must be aged with contact with wood. Bottling and packaging are allowed between April 1 and December 31 of the year following harvest. The finished wines must have an alcohol content between 11% and 13%.

Currently, about 420 acres (170 hectares) of Médoc vineyards are planted with white grape varieties. Some top producers have already been making white wines from these grapes but have not been able to use the Médoc AOC label until now. With this change, those who follow the new guidelines can market their wines as Médoc AOC whites.

The move is seen as a significant development for both producers and consumers. It allows winemakers in the Médoc to diversify their offerings and respond to changing tastes and climate conditions. For wine drinkers, it opens up a new category of Bordeaux whites from a region long associated only with reds. Producers are expected to begin releasing Médoc AOC white wines under these rules starting with the next vintage.