Graves, Pessac-Léognan, Sauternes & Loupiac

Whilst the Médoc region and Saint-Emilion receive a lot attention, some of the oldest vineyards are quite close to Bordeaux. Named after its soil and helping establish Bordeaux’s glorious reputation, is Château Haut-Brion. Many other great wineries such as Château Pape Clément, Smith Haut Lafitte, and Domaine de Chevalier are all located around the villages of Pessac, Léognan and Talence. Wines from Graves and Pessac-Léognan are just as fabulous as their neighbors in the east and the north of Bordeaux.

That’s because Graves is famous for producing not only reds, but also whites and sweet wines. This sub-region and is considered to be where the claret of the middle-ages was first produced! It is a lush and abundant area, with pine trees and gravelly soil gracing the land.

Sweet nectar

Further south, is the distinctive micro-climate of the Ciron River. Their proximity to the river ensures the production of remarkable sweet wines in the vineyards of Sauternes, Barsac and Loupiac. While Château d’Yquem is world renowned, other wineries also produce absolutely outstanding wines such as Guiraud, Suduiraut, and Clos Haut Peyraguey.

The grape harvesting technique is unique here because the grapes are picked late to favor noble rot, also called botrytis cinerea, which concentrates the sugar in the grapes. Tasting these wines will take your palate on a journey of citrus, honey and dried fruit aromas. Likewise, in Loupiac, the passionate, enthusiastic winemakers produce rich, elegantly structured wines with notes of exotic fruits and gingerbread. Discover for yourself the richness and diversity of the Graves region!

Want a taste? Check out The Great Escape tour, which includes a picnic lunch served with wines to match!