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The Graves is known as the ‘cradle’ of fine Bordeaux. It was here from Middle Ages that the grand and aristocratic families owned large estates, often hunting estates, where they produced wine as part of mixed agriculture. They hunted in the nearby forests, then not far from the city. Today, you can still discover medieval castles hidden amongst the woods and vines on a wine tour of the region.
In the 17th century they began making a new style of wine known as ‘The New French Claret’, destined for the English market. Since 1987, the Graves has been divided into two appellations: Graves to the south, and Pessac-Léognan to the north (taking its, rather unpronounceable, name from two villages in the region). This region is known for the quality of both its red and white wines. Graves is the only region that has a dry white wine classification, introduced in the 1950s, all the members of this classification are today found in the Pessac-Léognan appellation.
The diversity of soils here allows for the planting of a range of grape varieties, the true Bordeaux blend. Layers of gravel brought by the Garonne River, interspersed with clay washed down by smaller rivers and streams mean both Cabernet and Merlot flourish alongside the white Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon. This balanced blend between Merlot and Cabernet produces wines that, while enjoying the structure and elegance of Cabernet, have the accessible fruitiness and early drinking potential of Merlot. The whites are an elegant blend of Sauvignon Blanc for freshness and aromatic complexity with the rich and smooth weight of Semillon, which, when vinified and aged in oak have the complexity to allow them to mature well.
Being so close to Bordeaux, Pessac-Léognan has embraced wine tourism. Chateau Pape Clement is an urban vineyard, where you will receive a warm welcome and large choice of activities, full hospitality for an overnight stay in a chateau or even the privatisation of the property for a complete French chateau experience. Further south another classified growth, Château Smith Haut Lafitte, will allow you to discover their love of contemporary art alongside the art of red and white wine making.
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The term "Left Bank" typically refers to the western side of the Gironde River and its tributaries in the Bordeaux wine region of France. The Left Bank is home to several renowned wine appellations, including:
Haut-Médoc: Known for its Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant red blends, which often exhibit structure, tannic backbone, and aging potential. Its includes some of the most prestigious communes such as Margaux, Pauillac, Saint-Julien, and Saint-Estèphe.
Pessac-Léognan: Famous for producing both red and white wines, with a focus on Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot for reds, and Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon for whites. Pessac-Léognan includes the renowned Château Haut-Brion among its notable estates.
Graves: Another appellation known for both red and white wines, with gravelly soils that lend structure and finesse to the reds. Graves is often considered the birthplace of Bordeaux wines and includes the subregion of Pessac-Léognan within its boundaries.
Médoc: A broader region encompassing Haut-Médoc and extending further north. Médoc wines are predominantly red and often offer good value compared to their more prestigious neighbors.
Left Bank wines are typically characterized by their Cabernet Sauvignon dominance in the blends, which contributes to their structure, tannic profile, and aging potential. These wines often exhibit flavors of dark fruits, cassis, cedar, and tobacco, with a firm backbone of tannins. They are well-suited to aging and can develop complexity and elegance over time.
Saint-Émilion is located on the right bank of the Gironde River in the Bordeaux wine region of France. So, it is situated on the eastern side of the Gironde River.
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