Graves & Pessac-Léognan — The Gravelly Heart of Bordeaux

Located on the left bank of the Garonne River, the Graves region is one of Bordeaux’s oldest vineyards and the only French appellation named after the nature of its soils. Composed of gravel, sand, and clay, sometimes mixed with limestone, this unique terroir absorbs heat during the day and releases it at night, ensuring even ripening and wines of remarkable aromatic purity.

The Graves appellation produces roughly two-thirds red wines — elegant, sensual, and balanced — and one-third white wines, both dry and sweet (the latter marketed as Graves Supérieures). In 1987, the creation of the Pessac-Léognan AOC defined the northern part of Graves, home to the most prestigious terroirs, located just outside the city of Bordeaux.

Graves Classés and Historical Prestige

The Graves Classification (established in 1953 and confirmed in 1959) recognizes sixteen classified estates, including Château Haut-Brion, the only Premier Grand Cru Classé of 1855 located outside the Médoc. Other prestigious names include Château Pape Clément, Domaine de Chevalier, Château Smith Haut Lafitte, and Château Carbonnieux — all symbols of the appellation’s long-standing reputation for excellence.

A Vineyard of Balance and Diversity

• Total vineyard area: approx. 1,640 ha
• Creation of Pessac-Léognan AOC: 1987
• Production: two-thirds red wines, one-third white (dry and sweet)

Principal Grape Varieties

Red wines: Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, complemented by Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and occasionally Malbec. The wines are deep-colored, with notes of blackcurrant, blond tobacco, graphite, and cedar, supported by silky textures and refined, noble finishes.

White wines: Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon dominate, with a touch of Muscadelle. These wines show vibrant minerality, floral and citrus aromas, and exotic fruit nuances, evolving into complex honeyed and toasty tones with age.

Style and Character

The red wines of Graves and Pessac-Léognan are known for their linear structure, fine tannins, and aromatic precision — striking the perfect balance between power and restraint. The dry whites are among the finest in France: pure, expressive, and crystalline, revealing the minerality of the gravel soils through the interplay of Sauvignon and Sémillon. Graves Supérieures offer a rare touch of sweetness and charm, adding an elegant contrast to the region’s dry wines.

Best Vintages

2022, 2020, 2018, 2016, 2010, 2009, 2005, 2000, 1996, 1990, 1988, 1983, 1978, 1961, 1959. These exceptional vintages reveal the terroir’s full potential — maturity, freshness, and depth in perfect harmony.

Food Pairings

Reds: Bordeaux-style ribeye, roasted lamb rack, stuffed pigeon, game birds.

Whites: Roasted sea bass, turbot with hollandaise, Bresse chicken in cream sauce, aged cheeses.