Graves

Graves (pronounced {{IPA|/grɑ:v/}}, meaning 'gravel land' in French) is an important wine region of Bordeaux, producing over 20 million bottles each year.

Related Topics:
Pronounced - French - Wine - Bordeaux

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The region stretches 50 kilometers south east from the suburbs of Bordeaux itself long the left bank of the Garonne river, and despite being principally a producer of red wine, it is the only of Bordeaux's regions to be known for both its red and white wines. The area encompasses villages including Pessac, Talence, Léognan, Martillac, St Morillon, and Portets.

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In 1987 the region was split into a second appellation with the creation of Pessac-Léognan, containing most of its most celebrated Châteaux. This has had the effect of devaluing the name of wines labelled with the Graves appellation, and so are considered by many to be better value than those of Pessac-Léognan.

Related Topics:
1987 - Appellation - Pessac-Léognan

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The area's red wines are generally considered to be more robust than those of Médoc, and are made using a majority of Cabernet Sauvignon, with smaller amounts of Merlot and Cabernet Franc. The famous dry white wines are a blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon.

Related Topics:
Médoc - Cabernet Sauvignon - Merlot - Cabernet Franc - Sauvignon Blanc - Sémillon

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