Graves

The Graves AOC, established in 1937, stretches along the left bank of the Garonne River, south of Bordeaux, over a 50-kilometer strip. The entire Graves vineyard, from Bordeaux to Langon, is eligible to produce Graves appellation wines, but the majority of Graves wines come from the area stretching between La Brède and Langon, bypassing the Barsac and Sauternes appellations. The soils consist of Quaternary alluvial deposits brought by the river. This layer of pebbles and stones rests on a sandy substrate, or even on pure sand or alios (iron-rich sand concretions), from which the vines draw the nutrients necessary for producing great wines.

The terroir of Graves wines offers an ideal microclimate for the vines. It is protected from inclement weather by a dense pine forest, while the river moderates the summer heat.The area planted with red grape varieties has been steadily increasing since the 1950s. The Graves appellation covers more than 3,800 hectares. Its annual production amounts to 170,000 hectoliters, two-thirds of which are Graves red wines. The remaining third is divided between dry white Graves wines (32,000 hectoliters) and Graves Supérieurs wines (11,000 hectoliters).

Graves red wines benefit from a balanced blend of grape varieties, where Cabernet provides aroma and structure and Merlot offers fragrance and suppleness. Depending on the vintage and the estate, these wines reach their peak between 5 and 10 years. The dry white wines of the Graves appellation are elegant and full-bodied. Made from Sémillon, they develop notes of wax and honey as well as a natural richness that does not detract from their freshness. Blended with Sauvignon, known for its liveliness and expressiveness, Graves white wines highlight citrus aromas, sometimes accompanied by exotic or minty notes. Barrel aging allows them to gain richness and complexity after a few years of aging. Graves Supérieures are sweet white wines with a pronounced bouquet and a very long finish. Golden yellow in color, they are characterized by a balance between acidity and sweetness and develop aromatic notes of toast, honey, and sometimes dried fruit. Notable among the many Graves wines are Château Respide-Médeville and Château Méjean.