News17/02/2025 10:44:00
GRAVES – THE PRESTIGIOUS WINE REGION OF BORDEAUX

Graves is an important sub-region of Bordeaux, producing approximately 20 million bottles of wine annually. Known for its exceptional wines, picturesque vineyards, and stunning natural landscapes, Graves stands as a cornerstone of Bordeaux’s winemaking heritage. Join InWine as we explore this renowned wine region.
1/ HISTORY
Graves is historically regarded as the birthplace of Bordeaux’s finest red wines. It was here, in the 14th century, that Bordeaux first established its reputation centuries before Dutch merchants and winemakers drained the marshes of Médoc.
2/ GEOGRAPHY
Graves is located on the Left Bank of the Gironde River, southeast of Bordeaux city. The region covers nearly 3,500 hectares, with vineyards stretching 55 km in length and 10 km in width, from La Brède to Langon.
3/ TERROIR & CLIMATE
*Climate: The proximity to the Garonne River provides essential humidity and moderates the dry climate, benefiting grapevine growth.
*Terroir
- Diverse composition: Red grape varieties thrive in gravel, pebbles, quartz, sand, and clay, while white grape varieties flourish in clay, limestone, and gravel soils.
- Graves boasts some of Bordeaux’s best soils, known for excellent drainage and light, nutrient-rich gravel, making it an ideal environment for viticulture.
4/ GRAPE VARIETIES
Graves dedicates 72% of its vineyards to red grapes and 28% to white grapes, producing approximately 12 million cases of red wine and 4.67 million cases of white wine annually.
- Red Grapes: The most planted varieties are Merlot (60%), Cabernet Sauvignon (35%), Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Malbec, and Carmenère. The wines are known for their deep garnet color, rich flavors, and more intense structure than Médoc wines.
- White Grapes: The dominant variety is Semillon (60%), followed by Sauvignon Blanc (33%), Muscadelle (4%), and Sauvignon Gris (3%). Graves white wines are characterized by citrus, grapefruit, and green apple aromas, while Semillon contributes floral and honeysuckle notes, adding complexity and elegance.
Beyond its reputation for red and dry white wines, Graves is also home to Sauternes, Bordeaux’s world-famous sweet wine region.
5. CLASSIFICATION
Like other Bordeaux sub-regions, Graves has its own classification system and strict wine production regulations:
- Graves AOC: The general appellation for both red and dry white wines, covering 3,100 hectares (as of 2014).
- Pessac-Léognan AOC: Established in 1987, this prestigious appellation is part of Graves AOC and includes the legendary Château Haut-Brion.
- Sauternes AOC & Barsac AOC: Renowned for Botrytis-influenced sweet wines, most notably Château d'Yquem.
- Cérons AOC: Similar to Sauternes, producing high quality sweet white wines.
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