Gastronomy and local products

Gastronomy and local produce

The Médoc is much more than a landscape of vines as far as the eye can see. It’s also a generous terroir, a land of expertise and gourmet traditions that awaken taste buds as much as curiosity. Here, every mouthful tells a story, every product reflects the soul of a region proud of its roots.

Prepare to discover an authentic, local gastronomy, sometimes surprising… but always tasty!”

The story of a cuisine between land and vines

Before it became world famous for its wines, the Médoc was known as the granary of Bordeaux. A rich agricultural land where pigs, cows and poultry were reared, and where everything needed to eat well was grown. This peasant culture shaped a simple, generous, convivial cuisine, which today still delights gourmets.

And this know-how is passed on with pride, thanks in particular to the Confrérie du Grenier Médocain, guardians of the region’s charcuterie traditions. It oversees the promotion of typical products, such as this famous speciality that even General de Gaulle didn’t want to miss…

Le Grenier Médocain and the treasures of local charcuterie

Le grenier médocain is quite a story! An emblematic delicatessen speciality, made from delicately seasoned pork belly, it used to be prepared on every farm to feed the family all year round. Today, it’s eaten cold, in thin slices, often accompanied by a glass of red wine… and an infectious good mood!

And it’s not the only must-try: Bordeaux grattons, crisp and spicy, are a delight at picnics and aperitifs with friends. The Médoc is also a place for sharing.

The art of meat cooked over vine shoots

In the Médoc, meat is cooked like a fine wine. And the star is the unmissable entrecôte à la bordelaise, grilled with vine shoots! These pieces of wood from the pruning of the vines give a unique flavour to the meat, particularly to the tender, flavoursome Blonde d’Aquitaine.

Add a homemade Bordelaise sauce with shallots and red wine… and you’ve got an exceptional dish, to be savoured in inns, at winegrowers’ or why not… during an impromptu barbecue in the heart of the vineyards.

But still...

The treasures of the Médoc forest

Another star of local gastronomy: the Médoc cep. This noble, fragrant mushroom can be cooked in a thousand ways – pan-fried, in an omelette, in risotto or soup. It’s one of those little seasonal pleasures that make a holiday even more authentic… especially when you pick it yourself on a walk in the woods!

Mademoiselle de Margaux: the must-have sweet touch

And for a sweet note, it’s impossible to miss the chocolates from Mademoiselle de Margaux. Their famous Sarbacanes, fine chocolate sticks inspired by vine branches, are sure to melt your sweet tooth.

But be warned, you could well become addicted to Guinettes: these cherries delicately coated in chocolate, infused with kirsch or armagnac. As a gift or a treat for yourself, they’re THE gourmet souvenir that extends your holiday to coffee time.

Experience gastronomy… in the kitchen!

Eager to get your hands dirty? The destination also offers cooking classes, often led by passionate chefs or producers. An opportunity to learn how to prepare a typical dish to sublimate a local product or to master the art of Médoc food and wine pairings.

Meeting local producers

And because the taste of the Médoc starts on the stalls, set off to meet our producers and artisans. They welcome you to the markets, to their farms or directly to their holdings.Cured meats, cheeses, honey, vegetables, wine… Fill up on flavours, in a short circuit and in complete conviviality.