Pessac Leognan
South of the city of Bordeaux, the region of Graves runs along the western bank of the Garonne River, through some of Bordeaux's most famous vineyards. The wines of Graves range from the esteemed red blends and powerful crisp whites of Pessac-Leognan to the unctuous celebrated sweet wines of Sauternes. The birthplace of Bordeaux's fine red wines, Graves comes with a reputation stretching back as far as the 13th century. The Graves AOC title can be used for both red and white wines while Graves Superieurs, Cerons, Barsac and Sauternes are all appellations that specialise in sweet wines. Defying its long history, Pessac-Leognan was only split out and given its individual appellation title in 1987, due to the consistently high quality of its wines. Its red wines, including those of first growth Chateau Haut-Brion, are some of the most highly prized in Bordeaux, while the white wines, made from Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon can be aged for many years and are complex, flavoursome and delicious.
