Graves

The Graves AOC, established in 1937, stretches along the left bank of the Garonne River, south of Bordeaux, over a 50-km strip. The entire Graves vineyard region, from Bordeaux to Langon, is authorized to produce Graves appellation wines, but the vast 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 carried by the river. This layer of pebbles and stones rests on a sandy substrate—or even 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 grapevines. It is protected from inclement weather by a dense pine forest, while the river moderates the extremes of summer.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 totals 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, with Cabernet contributing aroma and structure and Merlot adding 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 showcase 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 exceptional length on the palate. 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 estates are Château Respide-Médeville and Château Méjean.