Graves

Graves is a sub region of the Bordeaux wine region. Graves is located on the left bank of the Garonne river, in the upstream section of the region, southeast of the Bordeaux city and expands over 55 kilometers. This wine region is the unique Bordeaux sub-region which is famed for all of Bordeaux’ three main wine types: reds, whites: dry and sweet wines. But the largest wine produced in this appellation is red wine.

Graves AOC is the name of one Appellation d’origine contrôlée (AOC), too. The name Graves comes from its intensely gravelly soil. The soil is the result of ice Age and its glaciers. Graves is the main appellation of the Graves sub-regions. It is an appellation for dry white and red wine. The climate is oceanic temperate. The atmospheric conditions are warmer and wetter than the Médoc, which leads to an earlier ripening of the grape varieties.

The constitution of the soil varies from north to south of the appellation: gravel and sand or sand, clay and silt or simply clay sand. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, two red grape varieties, are the basis of the red wines produced in this region. Cabernet Franc and Malbec are other two types of grapes in this appellation.

The main grape varieties used in the production of dry and sweet white wines are Sauvignon and Semillon.

73% of this appellation production concerns red wines, 27% for white wines.

A part of important features of Graves appellation for red wines are as follows:

• Soil: Alluvial deposits of sand and clay.
• Wine color of Graves (red) is red.
• Aromas: Spices, notes of resin, floral, chocolate, vanilla, and roasted aromas.
• Taste: Supple, rich and firm with blackberry notes.
• Aging potential: 5 – 14 years.
• Serving temperature: 15 to 17° C

A part of important features of Graves appellation for dry white wine are as follows:

• Soil: Sand and sandstone, rocks, pebbles, light clays and silts.
• Wine color of Graves (dry white) is dry white.
• Aromas: Fruity and Floral, grapefruit, passion fruit, boxwood, juniper, white flowers, beeswax, acacia, roasted nuts.
• Taste: Powerful, lively and round.
• Aging potential: 1 – 5 years.
• Serving temperature: 9 to 12° C