This famous wine-growing area is part of the French region of Bordeaux; the name means "middle country". It is located northwest of the city of Bordeaux on the triangular peninsula between the Gironde estuary, formed by the confluence of the Garonne and Dordogne rivers, and the Atlantic Ocean. The approximately 70 kilometre long and 5 to 12 kilometre wide strip of land, which is dominated by many vineyards, is occasionally interrupted by pastureland, scrubland and polders (floodplain). The area is divided into two regional appellations (Bas-Médoc and Haut-Médoc) and six communal appellations located within Haut-Medoc, with around 16,000 hectares of vineyards. Médoc is probably the most famous appellation of the Bordelais and also one of the most important and best red wine regions in France and the world.