Situation and soil

Now covering approximately 1,350ha, the AOC Pessac-Leognan region geographically applies to a relatively restricted wine area. In 1987, the vast Graves district was split in two and originated into the AOC Pessac-Leognan directly located in the suburbs of Bordeaux. Decreed in 1987, the A.O.C. Pessac-Leognan Graves is the most recent among all Left Bank’s appellations. Situated at the gates of Bordeaux, Pessac-Leognan stands as the birthplace of Bordeaux's vini-viticulture history. Indeed, the wines of Pessac-Leognan and Graves were already famous in Europe since the Middle Ages. The famous "clairets" were vinified at Pessac-Leognan. The Pessac-Leognan vineyard was initially located just outside the gates of Bordeaux. But in the 20th Century, the district's Northern properties were gradually embraced by the fast growing development of France's fourth largest city. Sadly, the once-peaceful left bank of the river Garonne is slowly and inexorably disappearing as the city grows.
The other part of the former Graves area, who kept the appellation’s original name - AOC Graves - continues to stretch down over 50 miles along the Garonne River in the direction of the little town of Langon.

Characteristics

Pessac-Leognan produces red and dry white wines which certainly count among the greatest wines in Bordeaux. The red wines of Pessac Leognan Graves appellation are recognized for their flamboyant and rich style. After 7-10 years, they usually become more complex with refined spicy flavours. The dry white wines are remarkably fresh, smooth and fruity. The best wines may be cellared more than 10 years. Pessac-Léognan has its own official classification released in 1959 for red and white wines. Sixteen Classified Growths are awarded for their red and/or white wines. Château Haut-Brion is the only red wine to be classified within both 1855 and Graves rankings. White wines represent approximately 25% of the district’s volume of production.

Main properties of the appellation

• 1er Cru Classé of the Médoc:
  - Haut-Brion
• Other leading properties:
  - Bouscaut, Brown, Carbonnieux, Carmes Haut-Brion, Couhins-Lurton, Domaine de Chevalier, Fieuzal, de France, Haut Bailly, Haut-Bergey, Larrivet-Haut-Brion, Latour-Martillac, la Louvière, Malartic Lagravière, Luchey-Halde, Mission Haut-Brion, Olivier, Pape-Clément, Picque-Caillou, Smith Haut-Lafite, Tour Haut-Brion

One of the most famous dry white wine of France is certainly the rare and splendid Château Laville Haut-Brion.
This is a non exhaustive list.

Varietals and technical data (*)

The average production, in red and white, is of approx. 60,000 hl within a planted surface of 1,600 ha.

• Authorized yields: 45 to 66 hl/ha (red) / 48 to 66 hl/ha (white)
• Sugar (grams per liter of must): 162 gr minimum (red) / 144 gr minimum (white)
• Base Alcoholic strength: 10% / 13%

Main grape variety:

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

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