Pessac-Léognan is one of two subregions within the wine region of Graves, located southeast of the city of Bordeaux along the Left Bank of the Gironde River. Graves derives its name from the region’s extremely gravely soil. The region is unique in that it is the only Bordeaux wine region that produces red wine, dry white wine, and sweet white wine. Pessac-Léognan is noted in particular for its dry red, and dry white wines. In addition to its reputation for producing stellar white wines, Graves is credited with being the birthplace of the red wine that gave the Bordeaux its reputation, and international export of red wine produced in the region dates back to the middle ages.
The gravelly, sandy soil for which Graves is named contains decreased amounts of clay, which allows it to drain quickly. This is what gives the red wines of Pessac-Léognan their distinctive character, and high quality. Cabernet Sauvignon, especially, thrives in this environment. Merlot is also cultivated in Pessac-Léognan, although to a lesser extent. The grapes used for producing white wines in Pessac-Léognan are Sémillon, and Sauvignon.
Pessac-Léognan Chateaux
- Chateau Haut-Brion
- Chateau Haut-Baily
- Chateau Bouscaut
- Chateau Olivier
- Chateau de Fieuzel