The red wine from this region are pricy due to its renowned quality and long storage capacity (in the best years). In Medoc the grape is predominently Cabernet Sauvignon with Merlot and Cabernet Franc. On the right bank (St Emilion and Pomerol) Merlot is the dominant grape variety. For those who like less tannic wine the right bank is recommended unless you drink an old wine from this region.
The 1855 classification, which you can find on the link below, still very much decide the price level on the wine, but in terms of quality I believe it is no longer correct.
Medoc 1855 Classification
The region also produces excellent dry white based upon Sauvignon Blanc and Semillion. The best one achieve prices higher than the red from the same chateau.
In Sauternes they produces the worlds most famous sweet white wine based upon Semillion. These can also be stored for decades.
The storage capacity and quality can vary from year to year, but if you just want to drink the less popular years can be better to buy because they are cheaper and mature earlier.
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