GRAVES-SAUTERNES MEDIA KIT 2022 Small Vineyards, Big Personalities
GRAVES – PESSAC-LÉOGNAN – BARSAC – SAUTERNES
ONE REGION. FOUR APPELLATIONS. THE ORIGINAL BORDEAUX WINES.
At the gateway to Bordeaux, the appellations of Graves, Pessac-Léognan, Sauternes and Barsac trace an historic lineage along the Left Bank of the Garonne River. Here, over 450 winegrowers are committed to cultivating their estates with passion, ingenuity and family know-how. The people of Graves-Sauternes are the living legacy of “Grands Vins de Bordeaux,” known for prestigious Classified Growths like Château Yquem and Château Haut Brion as well as new generation winemaking and inspiration. These small vineyards produce memorable wines.
At the heart of the region lies one of the wine world’s most diverse terroirs, defined by complex natural elements from the Atlantic Ocean, rivers, forests and climate. The result is a range of stylish red, white and sweet wines with extraordinary finesse and wide appeal.
TERROIR
SAUTERNES
BARSAC
SOUTH |
In this topographic view of the Graves-Sauternes, we present a view of the appellations from North to South to show the many natural terroir advantages of the region on the banks of the Garonne River.
ATLANTIC OCEAN
Maritime influences mean mild winters and warm summers, a moderate and stable climate with relatively few frosts.
RIVERS
The Ciron River (cooled from the Landes forests) meets the warmer Garonne to create misty mornings and the perfect conditions for botrytis.
GRAVES PESSAC-LÉOGNAN
| NORTH
DIVERSE SOILS
The classic gravel soils of the region are the result of many millennia of geological activity by glaciers and rivers.
FORESTS & HILLS
The extensive Landes de Gascogne pine forest acts as a protective barrier from Atlantic storms. Gently rolling hills, woodlands and charming villages define the landscape.
GATEWAY TO BORDEAUX
Pessac-Léognan lies just south of Bordeaux, including celebrated estates such as Château Haut Brion. Trains quickly connect the Graves region to city center Bordeaux.
GATEWAY TO BORDEAUX 6%
OF THE VINEYARD OF BORDEAUX
23%
4
APPELLATIONS
77%
17,600 240,000+ ACRES
450
WINEGROWERS
HL PRODUITS = MORE THAN 32 MILLION BOTTLES
42
CLASSIFIED GROWTHS
RED, WHITE, SWEET
GRAVES – PESSAC-LÉOGNAN – BARSAC – SAUTERNES
PRODUCTION BY VOLUME 240,000 HL
PESSAC-LÉOGNAN RED 22% PESSAC-LÉOGNAN WHITE 4% GRAVES ROUGE 35% GRAVES BLANCS 9% GRAVES SUPÉRIEURES 2%
REDS
WHITES
SWEETS
BARSAC 5% SAUTERNES 22%
BREAKDOWN OF AOCs (BY VINEYARD ACREAGE)
GRAVES 46% PESSAC-LÉOGNAN 23%
GRAVES 12% PESSAC-LÉOGNAN 4%
SAUTERNES 10% GRAVES SUPÉRIEURES 2% BARSAC 2%
HISTORY & ORIGINS The Graves-Sauternes region is the birthplace of great Bordeaux wines. The Romans planted vineyards 2000 years ago drawn by nature and accessibility. The region lies directly south of city of Bordeaux tracing the banks of the Garonne River through the four appellations of Graves-Sauternes. Proximity to the port of Bordeaux, a temperate Atlantic climate with warm southern exposure and perfect soils have long defined Graves-Sauternes as a singular terroir, the only region with the distinction of Crus Classé red, white and sweet wines.
Founding of AOC: Sauternes & Barsac (1936) Graves AOC (1937)
Haut Brion recognized as «Grand Cru»
1ST CENTURY
1855 1533
Graves-Sauternes emerges at the origins of Bordeaux. Vines are first planted by the Romans.
Pessac-Léognan Founded
1953 - 1959 1936/1937
Classification Of 1855
1987 Classification of Vins de Graves
GRAVES
DIVERSITY OF CHARACTER, STYLE AND TERROIR Graves refers to a region as well as an appellation in its own right. Sourced from a variety of terroir of different character, the wines of Graves are known for artful blending and elegance. Graves is named for the distinct, gravelly stone soils of region. The styles encompass dry white, dry red and sweet wines (Graves Superieures). -Graves Reds are primarily blended from Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, and are known for a fruity, fresh bouquet and a lovely tannic structure.
AOC GRAVES
-Graves Whites deliver finesse, style and appealing fruity and floral notes. -The Graves Supérieures Sweet wines are renowned for their golden color, attractive density and smooth texture.
KEY FACTS
Did you know? Graves is named for the distinct gravel soil of the region, a hallmark of proximity to the Garonne.
3 COLORS
Grave Dry Red & Dry White Graves Superieures (Sweet White)
Founded in 1937
6177 20 Million Bottles
160,000 hl/year 3% of Bordeaux production
42
Villages/Communes
31 miles
(50 km) in length
ACRES RED
2224
Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Franc Malbec, Carmenere Petit Verdot
ACRES WHITE
Semillon Sauvignon Blanc Muscadelle Sauvignon Gris
200 Winegrowers Average vineyard size: 42 Acres (17 ha)
75%
78% Red
Sold in France
25%
Exported
371 FEET
Highest elevation
3% Sweet
19% White
SOILS
Graves is named for gravelly soils, formed by the churning of the Garonne River. Gravel accounts for just one soil type, but it is the most famous. Ancient gravel soils spread throughout the region in varying sizes and depths. Gravel allows for excellent drainage, an aspect that contributes to fine wines.
SOUTHERN EXPOSURE
Situated further to the south, the Graves region is a warmer area. Gravel reflects and retains summer heat. These factors help to ripen fruit approximately two weeks earlier than in other parts of Bordeaux. A natural advantage in challenging years, vines from the Graves often thrive over other areas in a wet vintage.
CLASSIC VARIETIES
Native to the Graves, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon originated in the region and are now planted worldwide. Graves White and Red wines are artful blends, perfected to balance aromatics and flavors.
GRAVES REDS
GRAVES WHITES
-Cabernet Sauvignon is the historic variety of Bordeaux, known for its ability to age and complex aromatic profile. Thrives in well-drained gravelly soil that retain heat.
-Sémillon is the region’s dominant white variety known for great finesse in both dry and sweet styles.
-Merlot delivers ripe fruit and lighter tannic structure. -Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Carmenère complement the blend.
MATURITY AND PAIRING NOTES Carefully controlled fermentation is traditionally followed by 6 to 12 months of bâtonnage sur lies to develop structure and aromas. Oak ageing is nuanced and subtle, designed to balance not overshadow the fruit and terroir expression. Pair with seafood and light hors d’oeuvres, white meats and cheeses. UPDATE PENDING FOR GRAVES
-Sauvignon Blanc brings lively character and pronounced aromatics. -Muscadelle enhances delicate fruity and floral notes.
MATURITY AND PAIRING NOTES
Cellarworthy reds age 12 to 18 months on average with long ageing potential. Young wines show fine aromas and flavors of crushed berries, vanilla, grilled almonds that develop richness and complexity with age. Fine grape tannins lend excellent structure, sweet fruit and velvety finish. Pair with red meats, cheeses, game and new world cuisine. UPDATE PENDING FOR GRAVES
PESSAC-LÊOGNAN
POWER AND SUBTLE REFINEMENT Situated at the gateway to Bordeaux with close proximity to the Port and export markets, Pessac-Léognan is a First Generation Bordeaux region that has been renowned throughout history. Pessac-Léognan became a comunal appellation recognized within the Graves in 1987. The appellation encompasses 10 villages and 72 estates, equally renowned for exceptional dry red and expressive white wines capable of 20 years of aging and more! The terroir combines a temperate climate influenced by proximity to the Atlantic. Soils are rich in a mix of gravels, shingles and pebbles caused by the constant motion of the Garonne River.
AOC PESSAC-LÉOGNAN
Pessac-Léognan is home to 16 Crus Classés de Graves, including world-famous Château Haut-Brion.
KEY FACTS
Did you know?
Pessac-Léognan is a communal appellation of the Graves region. Producers can choose to bottle their wines as Pessac-Léognan or Graves.
10 Million Bottles/year
10
80%
Red Wines
33%
Pessac-Léognan includes 10 villages: Cadaujac, Canéjan, Gradignan, Léognan, Martillac, Mérignac, Pessac, St-Médard-d'Eyrans, Talence, Villenave-d'Ornon
Graves production
70%
Exported
Water & Soils
20%
72 Estates
Committed to quality investment in the restoration of historic châteaux, winemaking innovation and regional economic impact.
White Wines
Graves are the particular mix of shingles, gravel and broken stone mixed with the clay, sand, chalk and shelly sand created by the flow of the Garonne River over millennia. A high level of quartz in the soils of Graves and Pessac-Léognan adds unique dimension and character. The soil is so rare and poor that only vines and trees will grow. Gravel deposits in Pessac-Léognan accumulate on the hillsides with steep slopes to ensure excellent drainage. A network of small tributaries of the Garonne deliver water to the subsoil to support hydric balance. Graves soils naturally soak up heat from the sun and redistribute it at night allowing for even ripeness.
PESSAC-LÉOGNAN STYLE DRY WHITE WINES
Complexity, freshness, vivacity, harmony
ELEGANT REDS
Elegance with power, delicacy, refinement PRIMARY VARIETALS
PRIMARY VARIETALS
-Sauvignon Blanc is often the dominant variety. Known for freshness, freshness and fruitiness. -Sémillon adds structures and unique aromas of candied fruit.
MATURITY AND PAIRING NOTES Carefully controlled fermentation is traditionally followed by 6 to 12 months of bâtonnage sur lies to develop structure and aromas. Oak ageing is nuanced and subtle, designed to balance not overshadow the fruit and terroir expression. Pair with seafood and light hors d’oeuvres, white meats and cheeses.
-Cabernet Sauvignon brings power, complexity, and deep colored with firm tannins. -Merlot ripens early, to balance and smooth the blend with opulence and rich fruit. -Cabernet Franc adds fresh, delicate aromas while Petit Verdot brings a slightly wild character.
MATURITY AND PAIRING NOTES
Cellarworthy reds age 12 to 18 months on average with long ageing potential. Young wines show fine aromas and flavors of crushed berries, vanilla, grilled almonds that develop richness and complexity with age. Fine grape tannins lend excellent structure, sweet fruit and velvety finish. Pair with red meats, cheeses, game and new world cuisine.
Did you know? Cabernet Sauvignon was first planted in Graves 2,000 years ago and was originally known as Vitis Biturica.
16 CLASSIFIED CHÂTEAUX – RED, WHITE & SWEET
In 1855, Château Haut-Brion was classified 1er Grand Cru for reds. In 1953/59, 16 prestige châteaux were recognized as Crus Classés of Graves.
1855 CLASSIFICATION Château Haut-Brion
1953/59 CLASSIFICATION Château Bouscaut Château Carbonnieux Domaine de Chevalier Château Couhins Château Couhins-Lurton Château Fieuzal Château Haut-Bailly Château Haut-Brion
Château la Tour Haut-Brion
Château Latour-Martillac Château Laville Haut-Brion
Château La Mission Haut-Brion Château Malartic-Lagravrière Château Olivier Château Pape Clément Château Smith Haut-Lafitte
BARSAC
SAUTERNES
SAUTERNES – A MAGICAL CRAFT
Sauternes is the story of a handful of families lovingly dedicated to the magical craft of boutique sweet white wines since the 16th Century. The unique, humid conditions at the confluence of the cooler Ciron River with the warmer Garonne River support an extraordinary microclimate. The fog that lifts over the vines nurtures wines and people of extraordinary character.
BARSAC – FRESHNESS AND FINESSE
AOC SAUTERNES & BARSAC
A communal appellation within greater Sauternes, Barsac derives identity from limestone soils and fresh minerality. Producers can choose to bottle their wines as Sauternes or Barsac.
KEY FACTS
Did you know?
3
Grape Varieties
One vine produces just a single glass of Sauternes or Barsac wine.
80%
1%
27
Sauternes and Barsac were the most awarded Cru Classé regions in 1885
2
Appellations (Sauternes and Barsac)
1936
(Founding of AOC) Among the first French appellations
5
Million bottles per year
30%
Exported
Muscadelle
19%
Semillon
Sauvignon
Sémillon The original grape of Sauternes and Barsac represents 80% of plantings. Conveys a beautiful topaz color and complex aromas of honey, pear, stewed quince, white acacia flower, mango, and candied apricot.
Winegrowers
Sauvignon Blanc delivers a lively character and powerful aromas including citrus, exotic fruit, and white flowers.. The pulp adds good acidity level to support ageability. An essential variety, Sauvignon represents up to 20% of the blend in Grands Crus wines.
4700
Muscadelle is rich in floral aromas, perfume and hints of orange zest, with a slightly musky note to add complexity and depth.
140
Acres (2% of the total Bordeaux vineyard)
THE MIRACLE OF BOTRYTIS The Sauternes and Barsac appellations produce the world’s most renowned sweet wines thanks to extraordinary climate conditions that allow for the development of botrytis. The cool Ciron River meets the warmer Garonne waters at the Port of Barsac creating a natural condensation that blankets the vineyard and allows for the development of “Botrytis Cinerea,” a grape fungus commonly known as the Noble Rot. Autumn mists followed by beautiful sunny days are particularly conducive to botrytis, which settles on very ripe grapes and concentrates into a nectar. The grape becomes wrinkled to a deep plum color with complex aromas that account for the depth of flavors in the wines of Sauternes and Barsac. The development of botrytis on the grapes is not uniform, requiring a long, difficult harvest. Entirely by hand, expert vineyard workers often pass three to four times to inspect and pick only the ripened grapes on each bunch. Small production by nature, a single vine will
yield only one glass of sweet wine!
Mature stage
Full rot
Rot with “roasting”
Candied rot
BARSAC
SAUTERNES
Sand
Limestone and Fine Gravel
Ciron Red Sand
Graves/Gravel Alluvial
Sand
Argile/Clay
LOCATION
Situated 25 miles (40 km) southeast of Bordeaux between the left bank of the Garonne and the Ciron Valley, the region is surrounded by the cooling natural influences of the Natural Park of Landes de Gascogne. The vineyard extends over 4700 acres (1900 ha) including five communes: Sauternes, Barsac, Bommes, Fargues and Preignac.
THE TERRITORY – THE APPELLATIONS
2 Appellations - 5 Communes 140 Winegrowers - 4700 Acres (1900 HA) 3 Varietals (Sémillon, Sauvignon, Muscadelle)
SAUTERNES AND BARSAC – DISTINCT IDENTITY The vineyards of Sauternes and Barsac lie adjacent to each other to the south of Bordeaux, neighbors through the ages, Both areas benefit from the microclimate of the area to develop botrytis in the grapes. The soils account for the distinction between Sauternes and Barsac. Barsac generally includes more red sand, clay and limestone soils, while Sauternes features more gravel. The result: fresher, brighter citrus flavors in Barsac versus richer, more tropical fruits in Sauternes. 10 of the 27 Châteaux from Sauternes and Barsac classified as Crus Classés in 1855 are in Barsac.
THE CLASSIFICATION OF 1855
Sauternes and Barsac were the most highly classified regions in the Bordeaux classification of 1855 with 27 Crus Classés.
PREMIER CRU SUPÉRIEUR
Château YQUEM (Sauternes)
LES SECONDS CRUS
LES PREMIERS CRUS
Château LA TOUR BLANCHE (Sauternes) Château LAFAURIE-PEYRAGUEY (Sauternes) CLOS HAUT-PEYRAGUEY (Sauternes) Château de RAYNE-VIGNEAU (Sauternes) Château SUDUIRAUT (Sauternes) Château COUTET (Barsac) Château CLIMENS (Barsac) Château GUIRAUD (Sauternes) Château RIEUSSEC (Sauternes) Château RABAUD-PROMIS (Sauternes) Château SIGALAS-RABAUD (Sauternes)
Château de MYRAT (Barsac) Château DOISY DAËNE (Barsac) Château DOISY – DUBROCA (Barsac) Château DOISY – VEDRINES (Barsac) Château d’ARCHE (Sauternes) Château FILHOT (Sauternes) Château BROUSTET (Barsac) Château NAIRAC (Barsac) Château CAILLOU (Barsac) Château SUAU (Barsac) Château de MALLE (Sauternes) Château ROMER DU HAYOT (Sauternes) Château ROMER (Sauternes) Château LAMOTHE (Sauternes) Château LAMOTHE – GUIGNARD (Sauternes)
HOW DO YOU SAUTERNES?
Made for Foodies! There are over 50 aromas mingling in each glass of the sweet wines of Sauternes and Barsac. Sauternes and Barsac deliver amazing versatility and style to pair from appetizers and entrées to dessert and specialty cocktails. The astounding aromatic complexity of the wines invites discovery for all occasions.
CITRUS
Orange, grapefruit, lemon
DRIED & CANDIED FRUIT
Fig, candied mandarin, hazelnut
EXOTIC FRUITS
Lychee, coconut, pineapple, mango
WHITE FLOWERS
Acacia, peach blossoms
SPICES
Cinnamon, saffron
ORCHARD FRUIT Apple, pear, peach
APPETIZERS CHEESE PLATES
SAVORY & SIMPLE
WORLD CUISINE
COCKTAILS
FRESH DESSERTS
ROUTE DES VINS CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE
Just beyond the city of Bordeaux, the renowned châteaux, charming villages and natural beauty of Graves-Sauternes offer unforgettable wine tours and hospitality. Some of our latest options include: e-bike and scooter vine tours; picnics in a 17th Century château garden; kayaking and tasting on the Garonne River; and a rail-and-taste tour that takes you from the city of Bordeaux directly to the châteaux. Adventure awaits!
CHÂTEAUX TASTINGS
Calling all wine lovers! Our tasting rooms are open to the public and ready to welcome you. From luxury cuvées to boutique blends, Graves-Sauternes is the only region that offers Cru Classé red, white and sweet wines.
HERITAGE
The first vines of Bordeaux were planted in Graves-Sauternes 2,000 years ago. From popes to kings, our historic landmarks offer an incomparable journey into Bordeaux winemaking, from tradition to today.
MEET OUR FAMILIES
We’re known for our generous hospitality, great food and warm welcome. Come for a tasting, a gourmet meal or book a stay at one of our many family-owned châteaux, restaurants and family getaways.
BY BIKE, RAIL, CAR
Take a bike ride through the vines, or drive through the timeless landscape of our region at your own pace. Schedule a hot air balloon, tree tasting or fly high on a special wine flight. We even offer e-scooter rides through the vines!
ECO-TRAVEL
The rivers and forests of our region offer many options for active discovery. Take a kayak tour of the Garonne, or hike through the trees and vines of our beautiful landscape.
CHOOSE YOUR ADVENTURE
We welcome all wine lovers, including groups and families. If you’re looking for wine country adventure, good living and natural inspiration, find out more about travel to Graves-Sauternes.
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