Graves de Vayres, the best of both worlds
This little-known appellation combines the spirit of two Bordeaux riverbanks: the Left Bank, with its characteristic gravel soils, and the Right Bank, with its specific climate and grape varieties. An unusual profile which makes all the difference and is the pride and joy of the Graves de Vayres appellation.
What is the Graves de Vayres wine region?
Key points to remember
- One of the smallest appellations in the Bordeaux region, with 700 hectares and 22 estates. Here everyone knows each other, like one big happy family!
- Vines deeply rooted on the Left Bank of the Dordogne, spanning a limited area in the commune of Vayres and the Arveyres plateau.
- Emblematic gravel soils from the Left Bank (we’ll come back to this later), combined with a mild oceanic climate and signature grape varieties from the Right Bank (with Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc at the forefront).
Why do people love Graves de Vayres and its wines?
- Because nowhere else can you find such a combination of typical characteristics from the Left and Right Banks
- Because its outstanding wines are produced in small quantities, making them even more irresistible
- Because these cuvées offer a winning trio combining quality, pleasure and affordable prices
- Because the appellation is as authentic as its winegrowers
- Because it offers something for everyone, from reds to dry white and semi-sweet white wines
- Because the PDO’s Winegrowers’ aperitifs are a real treat during summer!
- Because you can enjoy a tasting at an estate or at the Maison du Vin de Graves de Vayres and then step back in time at Château de Vayres!
What is the Graves de Vayres style?
This appellation reveals a fine-tuned balance between round tannins which caress the palate and the mineral finesse imparted by gravel.
In other words, the spirit of the two riverbanks sets the tone from vine to glass.
More precisely, the red wines are bursting with fruity flavors and are incredibly delicate with wonderful aging potential. The dry white wines shine with their freshness and citrus notes, which are sometimes enhanced by barrel aging. Quintessentially delicious with a smooth texture and floral aromas, the semi-sweet white wines are guaranteed to please.
Charming, complex and unique: whatever their color, Graves de Vayres wines always hit the spot!
Which kind of wines can be found in Graves de Vayres?
It’s up to you: mainly red wines but also dry white wines and semi-sweet white wines.
When it comes to red wines, several grape varieties come into play: Merlot, offering smoothness and red fruit notes, Cabernet Sauvignon, adding structure, black fruit notes and tannins which provide excellent aging potential, as well as Cabernet Franc, bestowing remarkable finesse and freshness.
As for white wines, they boast the mineral liveliness of Sauvignon Blanc, the roundness of Sémillon, the white floral notes of Muscadelle and the freshness of Sauvignon Gris.
Fun facts
Three fun facts you need to know about Graves de Vayres
Want to find out more about the hidden facets which makes this PDO so special? Then you are in the right place!
1.
In the heart of the appellation, the Maison Familiale Rurale (MFR) de Vayres trains the future Bordeaux winegrowing experts. A real breeding ground for talent, and a renowned one at that.
2.
Château Bel-Air Eiffel has belonged to the ancestors of Gustave Eiffel for over one hundred years. Yes, we are indeed talking about the man behind the Eiffel Tower!
3.
When the tide travels up the Dordogne River, it creates a long rolling wave known as the “mascaret”. A fascinating natural phenomenon that you can even surf, if you dare!
Let’s talk about the soil
In Graves de Vayres, the vineyards benefit from a lovely patchwork of gravelly, sandy-gravelly, clayey-gravelly, silty-gravelly and silty-sandy soil.
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The predominance of gravel is a blessing since these pebbles and small stones deposited many years ago by the river ensure perfect drainage. At four meters deep, the vine roots are also nurtured by a wealth of minerals. The result: high-quality vines producing deliciously expressive grapes.
Let’s travel back in time
In the Graves de Vayres appellation, we have known for a long time that there is strength in numbers. This appellation was in fact one of the first in the Bordeaux region to create a union bringing together local winegrowers in 1926, before being officially recognized as a PDO by the INAO in 1937. A lovely reward for all their efforts!
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But when it comes to putting its wines in the spotlight, the appellation didn’t stop there: the Graves de Vayres Winegrowers’ Association was created in 1966. In 1988, it was the turn of its Maison du Vin, and three years later, the Graves de Vayres vinous brotherhood. Since then, the PDO has forged its own path, always keen to reinvent itself for the sake of its terroir, expertise and traditions.
