Collection: Pessac-Léognan/Graves
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2012 Château Malatric Lagraviere, Pessac-Léognan Grand Cru Classé
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The Graves, (the original name for the Pessac Léognan appellation) takes its name from the unique soils that consist of deep layers of gravel and stone. Below the gravel and pebble laden surface, layers of sand, hardpan and clay can be found. But much of the terroir and thus, the character of the wines from this Bordeaux wine appellation is also shaped by the pine tree laden forests that inhabit the region.
The trees assist in creating the unique, micro climate of the commune by protecting the vines from the humidity and winds. Another important consideration that makes the Graves Pessac Léognan different from all the other Bordeaux wine appellations is, this is the only Bordeaux region making large quantities of world class red and white Bordeaux wine.
To get an idea on how the soil and terroir of Pessac Léognan compares to the other important appellations in Bordeaux; The terroir and soil of Bordeaux, in Pessac Léognan, the terroir is unique to all of Bordeaux due to the production of red and white Bordeaux wine.
For some vineyards, the soils can be a bit too warm for the white wine and slightly too cool for the red wine. This situation requires a lot of work and attention when it comes to the decision of when to harvest for both red wine grapes and white wine grapes.
Classification of Graves, Pessac Léognan: With the exception of Chateau Haut Brion, which was classed in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification as a First Growth, the remaining producers from the Graves area were excluded from the original classification of 1855.
That situation was finally rectified in 1953 when the wines from the area of Graves were officially classified. Although it took several more years before the official 1959 Graves Classifications was finalized.
At the time of the classification, the chateaux in the area were considered a part of Graves, meaning this was well in advance of the creation of Pessac Léognan as a unique, separate AOC appellation. Pessac Léognan as an appellation was only created in September, 1987.
Pessac Léognan – Dry Whites:
GRAPE VARIETIES: Sauvignon Blanc & Sémillon
SOIL: Gravel and rocks covered with sand, sandstone, and clay
SURFACE AREA: 275 ha
AROMAS: Rich and varied with notes of broom blossom, hazelnut, citrus, acacia, beeswax, peach, and nectarine
TASTE: Complex, intense, refreshing, fruity, with a long, aromatic finish
AGING POTENTIAL: 1 - 10 years
SERVING TEMPERATURE: 48.2 - 53.6° F
Pessac Léognan – Dry Reds:
GRAPE VARIETIES: Cabernet Sauvignon & Merlot
SOIL: Predominantly gravel and sandy rock, with varying proportions of clay and sandstone
SURFACE AREA: 1,491 ha
AROMAS: Toasted almonds and resin
TASTE: Rich, elegant, noble, aromas of ripe fruit, currant, and violet. A wine with body, balanced tannic structure, and a pleasant finish
AGING POTENTIAL: 5 - 10 years
SERVING TEMPERATURE: 59 - 62.6° F
Graves – Dry Whites:
GRAPE VARIETIES: Sauvignon Blanc & Sémillon
SOIL: Sand and sandstone, pebbles, rocks, light clays and silts
SURFACE AREA: 749 ha
AROMAS: Floral and fruity, grapefruit, passion fruit, boxwood, juniper, white flowers, beeswax, acacia, roasted nuts
TASTE: Powerful, round, and lively
AGING POTENTIAL: 1 - 5 years
SERVING TEMPERATURE: 48.2 53.6° F
Graves – Dry Reds:
GRAPE VARIETIES: Cabernet Sauvignon & Merlot
SOIL: Alluvial deposits of sand and clay
SURFACE AREA: 2,528 ha
AROMAS: Floral, notes of resin, spices, chocolate, vanilla, and roasted aromas
TASTE: Supple, firm, and rich with blackberry notes
AGING POTENTIAL: 5 - 15 years
SERVING TEMPERATURE: 59 - 62.6° F
If you’re interested in learning more about the wines of Graves and Pessac-Leognan, please visit The Wine Cellar Insider