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Graves & Pessac-Léognan

Bordeaux

The oldest wine region in Bordeaux, stretching south from the city itself. Pessac-Léognan produces both outstanding reds and some of Bordeaux’s finest dry whites. The gravelly soils that give the region its name provide excellent drainage and warmth, creating wines of elegance and complexity.

The wines of Graves & Pessac-Léognan are made primarily from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc and other Bordeaux varieties.

Vineyard Map

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Nearby Appellations

To the north Médoc

To the south Sweet Wines

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Terroir & Classification

Soils

GravelSandClayLimestone

The region sits on deep Günzian gravel deposits from ancient Garonne and Dordogne river terraces, overlaying limestone bedrock with fossilized oyster shells (Calcaire à Astéries). These well-draining gravelly soils, mixed with sand and clay patches, force vine roots to penetrate deeply while the underlying limestone provides water retention and mineral exchange.

Classification

Classification des Graves (1959): Pessac-Léognan has its own classification, established in 1959 and separate from the 1855 Médoc classification. It classifies estates for both red and white wines, with some châteaux classified for both..

Elevation

10-40m, gentle undulating plateaus and south-facing slopes

Microclimate

The proximity to Bordeaux city creates a slightly warmer microclimate with urban heat island effects, while the gravelly soils absorb and radiate heat during the day, extending the growing season. The Atlantic influence remains strong but is moderated compared to the Médoc, providing protection from extreme temperature variations.

Typical Aromas

blackcurrantcedargraphitetobacco leafvioletmineral smoke

Classification des Graves (1959)

Pessac-Léognan has its own classification, established in 1959 and separate from the 1855 Médoc classification. It classifies estates for both red and white wines, with some châteaux classified for both.

Cru Classé de Graves (Red)

13 estates including Château Haut-Brion (also a 1855 First Growth), Château La Mission Haut-Brion, and Château Pape Clément.

Cru Classé de Graves (White)

9 estates including Château Haut-Brion Blanc, Domaine de Chevalier, and Château Laville Haut-Brion.

Grapes of Bordeaux

Cabernet Sauvignon

red
Body
Tannins
Sweetness
Acidity
blackcurrantgreen bell peppermintcedar

Thick-skinned, naturally tannic grape. Blended with Merlot and Cabernet Franc in Bordeaux; made as single varietal in New World regions.

Merlot

red
Body
Tannins
Sweetness
Acidity
plumblackberrystrawberryherbs

Dominant variety

Sauvignon Blanc

white
Body
Sweetness
Acidity
grassasparagusgooseberrypassion fruit

Highly aromatic and assertively herbaceous. Almost always made unoaked and drunk young. Blended with Sémillon in Bordeaux; single varietal in Marlborough and Loire.

Sémillon

white
Body
Sweetness
Acidity
applelemongrasswax

Thin-skinned grape highly susceptible to botrytis. Dry styles can be made unoaked (Hunter Valley) or oaked; blended with Sauvignon Blanc in Bordeaux for both dry wines and Sauternes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Graves & Pessac-Léognan known for?▼
Graves & Pessac-Léognan is known for being Bordeaux's oldest wine region and producing both exceptional red wines and some of the finest dry white wines in Bordeaux. The region is particularly celebrated for its elegant, complex wines that benefit from the excellent drainage and warmth provided by its famous gravelly soils.
What does Graves & Pessac-Léognan wine taste like?▼
The wines from this region are characterized by elegance and complexity, with reds typically showing refined tannins and excellent structure. The whites are among Bordeaux's most sophisticated dry wines, often displaying mineral precision and remarkable aging potential.
What grapes are grown in Graves & Pessac-Léognan?▼
For reds, the region primarily grows Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc, with some Petit Verdot and Malbec. The acclaimed white wines are made mainly from Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon, often with small amounts of Muscadelle.
What makes Graves & Pessac-Léognan different from its neighbors?▼
Unlike other Bordeaux regions that focus primarily on reds, Graves & Pessac-Léognan excels at producing world-class dry white wines alongside their reds. The region's distinctive gravelly soils and its status as Bordeaux's oldest wine region also set it apart from neighboring appellations.
What soil types are found in Graves & Pessac-Léognan?▼
The region features gravel, sand, clay, and limestone soils, with the gravelly soils being the most distinctive and important. These gravel deposits provide excellent drainage and heat retention, which is crucial for ripening grapes and creating the region's characteristic elegant wines.

Map data: INAO