Graves Sauternes Media Kit - 2022

Graves–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. This is a region of big personalities and small vineyards dedicated to the production of 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

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.

SAUTERNES

BARSAC

NORTH

GRAVES

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.

PESSAC-LEOGNAN

BREAKDOWN OF AOCs

(BY VINEYARD ACREAGE)

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.

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.

-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.

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.

GRAVES WINES, THE SUBLIME ART OF BLENDING

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

- 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.

- Merlot delivers ripe fruit and lighter tannic structure.

- Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Carmenère complement the blend.

GRAVES WHITES

- Sémillon is the region’s dominant white variety known for great finesse in both dry and sweet styles.

- Sauvignon Blanc brings lively character and pronounced aromatics.

- Muscadelle enhances delicate fruity and floral notes.

WINES OF CHARACTER, FOR MANY OCCASIONS

Red, dry white or sweet white, the wines of Graves offer a full range that span a past, present and future that embodies the glorious and prestige character of Bordeaux wines. Each of the Graves grape varieties have their own unique qualities. The mastery of their specificity and complementary aromas is an ode to the historic tradition and identity of Bordeaux wines. It is up to the winegrower through the subtle art of blending to derive quality, finesse, precision and balance. Timeless and versatile, pair Graves wines with many occasions, from more formal meals (white Graves wines with seafood or white meat, red wines with savory and cheese courses), to more informal occasions (such as the classic aperitif, to enjoy with friends and an outdoor grill).

Pessac-Leognan

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.

Pessac-Léognan is home to 16 Crus Classés de Graves, including world-famous Château HautBrion.

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

Pessac-Léognan includes 10 villages: Cadaujac, Canéjan, Gradignan, Léognan, Martillac, Mérignac, Pessac, St-Médard-d'Eyrans, Talence, Villenave-d'Ornon

Water & Soils

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-Leognan Style

DRY WHITE WINES

Complexity, freshness, vivacity, harmony

PRIMARY VARIETALS

-Sauvignon Blanc is often the dominant variety. Known for 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.

ELEGANT REDS

Elegance with power, delicacy, refinement

PRIMARY VARIETALS

-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.

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.

Château Haut-Brion

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

AOC Sauternes & Barsac

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

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.

Sauternes and Barsac were the most awarded Cru Classé regions in 1885

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.

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.

Muscadelle is rich in floral aromas, perfume and hints of orange zest, with a slightly musky note to add complexity and depth.

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!

Barsac Sauternes

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.

Argile/Clay

Limestone and Fine Gravel

Sand Sand

Graves/Gravel

Red Sand

Alluvial

Ciron

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 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)

LES SECONDS CRUS

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?

CITRUS

DRIED & CANDIED FRUIT

EXOTIC FRUITS

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.

WHITE FLOWERS

ORCHARD FRUIT

Route Des Vins

WINE CULTURE THAT INSPIRES

Wine and culture naturally come together in Graves-Sauternes to inspire residents, visitors, and winegrowers. Wine travelers can indulge in a full spectrum of truly unique experiences from the conviviality of our châteaux tastings and vineyard visits to gastronomic tours that range from Michelin star to farm-to-table restaurants. The expansive landscape of Graves-Sauternes extends from the doorstep of the city of Bordeaux to the Landes de Gascogne pine forest and the Garonne and Ciron Rivers, allowing visitors to combine a passion for wine with the outdoors. The many scenic villages and landmarks along the way are a living legacy of the original Bordeaux vineyards of Graves-Sauternes, a timeless place historically linked to wine and culture.

Ready to get inspired? Some of our latest travel bookings include: e-bike and scooter vine tours; art and wine classes; picnics in a 17th Century château garden; Michelin star meals; kayaking and tasting on the Garonne River; and a rail-to-taste tour that takes you from the city of Bordeaux directly to the châteaux.