The Graves vineyard, and the Bordeaux region as a whole, was born from Gaulish techniques that adapted the Mediterranean vine of the Romans to the oceanic climate. It underwent a true viticultural boom in the Middle Ages. At that time, the first vines were planted in the heart of Bordeaux, making use of poor, stony soils that were unsuitable for other crops. In 1152, Eleanor of Aquitaine married the future King of England, Henry II Plantagenet, bringing the region to true prosperity as Aquitaine was fully attached to England by this union. From this marriage came a law favouring and protecting Bordeaux wines for export to England, with no other wine region permitted to export unless English stocks of Bordeaux ran out.
In the following decades, local and international demand continued to grow, leading to an expansion of the vineyards and greater diversity of terroirs. These glorious years established Graves wines as the Bordeaux wines par excellence. The Graves market dominated until the end of the 18th century. The appellation then overcame successive viticultural crises and the rise of urbanisation — a resilience and consistency in producing quality wines that makes it one of the greatest Bordeaux appellations to this day.
The exceptional terroirs of Graves are the result of the long geological history of the Garonne and the influence of various glacial episodes of the Quaternary era. They now constitute an incredible geological tapestry oscillating between pebbles, gravel of different sizes, rounded stones, clay, sand and silt. An extraordinary variety of soils — the appellation is the only one in the world to bear the name of its soil — resting on limestone or pure sand, alios or clay. The soils are permeable and, thanks to the presence of slopes, they encourage water runoff. A characteristic that allows regulated water supply to the vine. This dominant stoniness also results in the nocturnal release of heat stored during the day, enabling better fruit ripening.
The wines of the Graves region can satisfy different palates. The red Graves, first and foremost, are characterised by their red fruit fragrances and tannic structure. Blends of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Malbec and sometimes Carmenère, they impress with their fragrance and suppleness. The white Graves reveal vivacity thanks to the presence of Sauvignon Blanc. Sémillon brings richness and freshness for a full and complex whole. Finally, the zone produces sweet wines under the Graves Supérieures appellation. Predominantly Sémillon, their golden colour reveals round and ample wines. Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle sometimes offer a touch of freshness and a few additional subtle fragrances.
Within the Graves appellation, the sub-zone of Pessac-Léognan occupies a special place. Created in 1987, it brings together the finest Graves terroirs and is home to virtually all the Crus Classés de Graves, including the mythical Château Haut-Brion, the only grand cru outside the Médoc to feature in the 1855 classification. Its red and white wines are among the most renowned in the world, combining power, finesse and remarkable ageing capacity.
For importers and wine merchants worldwide, Graves represents one of the most versatile Bordeaux appellations, capable of satisfying both lovers of great aged reds and connoisseurs of exceptional dry white wines. Its whites, dominated by Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon, are among the most sought-after dry white wines of Bordeaux.
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