Situation and soilIn

1987, the vast Graves district was split in two and originated into the AOC Pessac-Leognan directly located in the suburbs of Bordeaux. The other portion of land , who kept the appellation’s original name - AOC Graves - continues to stretch down over 50 miles along the Garonne River to the little city of Langon. The Grave’s area, uniquely in France, is named after its gravely (graves) soil and subsoil.

Characteristics

Graves produces red and dry white wines which certainly count among the most interesting wines of Bordeaux. The red wines of Graves are recognized for their flamboyant and rich style. After 7-10 years, they usually gain in spicy flavours and show more complexity. The dry white wines are remarkably fresh, smooth and fruity. The best of them can withstand prolonged cellaring. Only white wines can claim the Graves Supérieures AOC. Red and white wines are simultaneously produced by an important number of growers. The latter represents approximately 25% of the total volume.

Main properties of the appellation

• Chantegrive, Clare, Clos Floridène, Crabitey, Rahoul, Villa Bel Air

Varietals and technical data (*)

The average production, is of approx. 130,000 hl for the red and 43,000 hl for the white, within a planted surface of 3,850 ha.

• Authorized yields: Approx. 50 to 66hl/ha (red) 48 to 68 hl/ha (white).
  Sugar (grams per liter of must): 162 gr minimum
  Base Alcoholic strength: 10% / 13%

Main grape variety:

• - Cabernet-Sauvignon (50%)
  - Merlot (40%)
  - Cabernet-Franc (10%)
  - Sémillon et Sauvignon (white)

(*) Sources:
• Bordeaux and its Wines - Ch. Cocks - Ed. Féret - 17th Edition,
• Conseil Interprofessionnel du Vin de Bordeaux (CIVB)