Immediately south of Bordeaux, the Pessac-Léognan vineyard owes its reputation to its Crus Classés. Balanced and elegant when young, these wines have a structure and depth that allows them to age for many years.
Rich, elegant and noble
Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are equal partners in the blends of this AOC, with a particularly wonderful result: a cherry red robe, often containing hints of very ripe red berries and violet, with a smoky bouquet of grilled almonds and resin. These wines are fleshy and balanced, with structured tannins, and a long and pleasant finish.
A recent appellation on an ancient terroir
Pessac-Léognan is likely the place where wine growing began in Bordeaux, 2000 years ago. Already in the Roman era, the aptness of this terroir for growing wonderful grapes had been recognized. Indeed, the Pessac-Léognan AOC is named after two emblematic communes where all of the Crus Classés of the Graves region are situated.
The Pessac-Léognan soil is composed of a particularly thick layer of gravel and stone, carried by the river. Underneath lies sand, hardpan and clay in variable proportions. The vines are planted in vast clearings, surrounded by pine trees that protect them from humid western winds.
The 1953 Classement des Crus de Graves, which took place before the creation of the Pessac-Léognan AOC, distinguished certain estates belonging to this appellation.
Resisting urbanization
From 500 ha in 1975, the area of this appellation has grown to 1,300 ha due to a dedicated effort by producers to reclaim very good tracts of land, despite growing urbanisation.
Average yearly production: 55 861 hL
Declared surface (2009): 1 435 ha
Visit the Pessac-Léognan AOC’s web site.
