Pessac-Leognan, Graves

Situation and soil about Pessac Leognan Graves area  
The Pessac-Léognan denomination applies to a relatively limited wine area covering approximately 1350 ha. In 1987, the Graves  district  was split in two and originated into the AOC Pessac-Léognan directly located in the suburbs of Bordeaux while the AOC Graves continues to stretch down over 50 miles along the Garonne River in direction of the little town of Langon. Pessac-Léognan is situated at the gates of Bordeaux and stands as the birthplace of Bordeaux's vini-viticulture history. Indeed, the wines of Pessac-Léognan and Graves were already famous in Europe since the Middle Ages. The famous "clairets" were vinified at Pessac-Leognan.

Uniquely in France, the Pessac-Leognan, Graves area is named after its gravelly (graves) soil and subsoil. The current vineyard of Pessac-Léognan Graves 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. 

Characteristics about Pessac Leognan Graves appellation 
Decreed in 1987, the A.O.C. Pessac-Léognan Graves is the most recent among all Left bank’s appellations. Graves and Pessac-Léognan produce red and dry white wines which certainly count among the greatest in Bordeaux. The red wines of Pessac Leognan Graves appellation are recognized by their flamboyant and rich style. After 7-10 years, the wines of Pessac Leognan Graves gain in complexity showing deep tertiary and spicy flavours. The Pessac Leognan Graves dry white wines are remarkably smooth, fresh and fruity and the best of them may be kept more than 10 years. Pessac-Léognan Graves gathers the majority of the Classified Growths. Château Haut-Brion was the only red wine outside the Medoc region to be classified in 1855, and such was its reputation that it was placed alongside the First Growths of Latour, Lafite and Margaux. Therefore an internal classification specific to the Pessac Leognan Graves appellation was established in 1953, then completed again in 1959. This classification distinguishes 16 Classified Growths in red and/or white. All châteaux ranked by the classification of 1959 are part of the Appellation Pessac-Léognan Contrôlée. An important number of growers produce simultanously red and white wines. The latter counts for approximately 25% of the volume of production. 

Main properties of the appellation Pessac Leognan Graves
The non exhaustive list of the appellation's best properties includes: Haut-Brion, Mission Haut-Brion, Pape-Clément, Haut Bailly, Smith Haut-Lafite, Domaine de Chevalier, Fieuzal, Malartic Lagravière and Tour Haut-Brion. The most famous white wine is certainly the rare and splendid Laville Haut-Brion. 

Varietals and technical data about Pessac Leognan Graves appellation
With a surface of 1350 ha for Pessac-Léonan and 3400 ha for Graves, the average total production, is of approx. 260000 hl. 

Average yield about Pessac Leognan Graves appellation: 56 hl/ha. 

Type of vines about Pessac Leognan Graves appellation: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc for the reds - Semillon and Sauvignon for the whites.