155320

Introduction to Graves, France

Grave is a Bordeaux producing area that also produces red (white) wines. It has 5000 hectares of vineyards. As early as the end of the 19th century, Graff red wine became the court wine of the British royal family. Graff white wines are known for their roundness and finesse, and the premium white wines have more storage potential. Graff is a regional legal production area (AOC GRAVES) and the village-level legal production area is AOC PESSAC-LEOGNAN, with a planting area of ​​about 1,000 hectares. Almost all of Graff’s grand estates are produced in this village.

Famous wine features

The Pessac-Lionon region, in particular, is home to some of the most prestigious dry white wines in the world. The best dry white Graff Nouveau, cool, refreshing and refreshing to drink. With longer aging, the wine becomes more intoxicated and has a strong aroma.

Winemaking history

There is evidence that the history of viticulture in the Graff appellation began as early as the early Middle Ages, when the Medoc was still a sparsely populated and swampy area, and there were many wineries in the appellation. century. The glamorous Chateau Haut-Brion in the appellation is the only Grand Cru in the 1855 classification outside the Médoc, and it shares a partnership with the famous Chateau La Mission. Haut-Brion) originally lived in the same manor, and now it is only separated by a road.

Both wineries, run by Bordeaux’s most respected winemaking expert, Jean Delmas, have achieved impressive results, yet remain distinct. Most of Graff’s outstanding chateaux are concentrated in the Pessa and Leognan regions. So since 1987, Pessac-Leognan has independently become an appellation for excellent wines.

Wine characteristics

Graff’s red wines are garnet-colored, firm-bodied and rich on the palate.

Merlot (Merlot) grapes add roundness to the wine body and enhance the freshness of the wine body. The mellow and fruity flavor is its outstanding feature.

Cabernet Sauvignon (cabernet-sauvignon) gives the wine a taste of ripe fruit and can withstand aging. The body gets better with time.

It is best to drink Graff between 16 and 18 degrees.

White wines account for two-thirds of Graves’ production and are among the best Bordeaux whites. Characteristics: fresh, fruity, dry.

Only sweet white wines can be named ‘Graves supérieurs’.

Sémilion grapes bring a burst of energy, with a delicate and rounded palate.

Muscadelle grapes are fragrant with a musky aroma.

Sauvignon brings an elegant taste and aromatic nose.

Graff white wine is best served at a low temperature, between 6 and 8 degrees.

Some vintages are drunk before others.