LIFE S T YLE – WINE S
G R ANDS CRUS C L ASSÉS D E GR AVES
The finest
reds and whites
Jean-Jacques Bonnie, President of the Union des Crus Classés de Graves, talks winemaking with INFO
A
group of 14 family-owned estates
enthusiastic’. This has not been at the
that all belong to the appellation
expense of sales to more established
Pessac-Léognan, the Union des Crus
markets, however.
Classés de Graves is a historic group of
‘We will never neglect any markets
vineyards near Bordeaux, in southwest
over others. Although we have been
France.
exporting more to China, the mature
While the terroir is characterised by
markets still remain. We have been
small stony deposits known as ‘graves’,
trading with the UK since the 17th
the poor soil produces the grapes for
century, and demand has remained
the world-famous wines, which French
strong,’ he explains. ‘Because we are
Chamber members are regularly treated
a very small group, made up of family-
to during events.
owned châteaux, we have a great loyalty to our customers.’
The Crus Classés de Graves is a classification given by the 'Institut
Being family owned is important to
National des Appellations d’Origine' in
the estates that form the Crus Classés de
1953 in recognition of the fine red and
Graves. ‘It gives them a different way of
white wines produced by the châteaux.
doing business,’ says Bonnie. ‘Everything
The region’s wine-making prowess is much more historic, however – the vineyards can trace their history back 1,000 years. Global prestige Having
this
appellation
gives
the
All of the grapes are handpicked and the châteaux are extremely considerate of the soils. They take a natural approach to wine growing
is done with the long-term in mind; they take into consideration the future for their children.’ Tourism and innovation Innovation is equally important. The 14 châteaux owners continuously invest in technology to improve their wine-
winemakers a lot of clout, as Jean-Jacques
making skills and maintain the careful Bonnie, President of the Union des Crus Classés de Graves, explains.
56 - info - january / february 2017
This innovation is also the spirit
‘The “Crus Classés” officialises the
behind the creation of premium skincare
terroir and establishes the châteaux as
brand Caudalie, pioneers of cosmetic
being exceptional. It gives the vineyards
vinotherapy, which was born out of the
prestige,’ he says. ‘All of the grapes
Graves region, at Château Smith Haut
are handpicked and the châteaux are
Lafitte.
extremely considerate of the soils. They
This has given rise to a boom in
take a natural approach to wine growing.’
tourism to the estates. ‘The innovative
At 620 hectares in total, the 14
spirit of the châteaux owners has led to
châteaux are considerably smaller than
not just excellent wines, but also strong
some of the other Crus Classés regions.
tourism,’ Bonnie explains. This is the
Yet despite the size, the wines made in
oldest terroir, it is close to Bordeaux and
the Graves are recognised worldwide as
is a lovely group of châteaux. So from
being outstanding – and international
the Caudalie spa, through to Michelin-
demand continues to grow.
starred restaurants and wine pairing,
Bonnie says that the Asian markets, The châteaux owners
eco-system.
in particular, continue to be ‘very
there are good reasons for visitors to come and explore.’ I JH