Graves Supérieures, a cradle for
semi-sweet white wines
Here lies the historic cradle of Bordeaux wines, where ancient traditions, pride and authenticity combine with a new impetus from winegrowers to produce semi-sweet white wines which, although little-known, are particularly easygoing and delicate
What is the Graves Supérieures wine region?
Key points to remember
- 150 hectares and around 30 passionate winegrowers who put their heart and soul into their wines.
- Vines planted along the Garonne River, on the Left Bank of Bordeaux, which fully benefit from the influence of the nearby Atlantic Ocean. The result? A mild, temperate climate perfect for growing grapes.
- Smooth pebbles and gravel carried by the Garonne River thousands of years ago, which have forged the reputation of the PDO and its name, surrounded by sandy-clay terraces, gravelly rises and even limestone and silt. Read on to find out more!
Why do people love Graves Supérieures and its wines?
- Because each bottle offers just the right amount of sweetness and elegance
- Because their wines are the perfect partner for desserts or foie gras
- Because their family-sized estates on a human scale tell stories dating back several generations
- Because their young winegrowers inject modernity and creativity, while respecting traditions
- Because their Maison des Vins in Podensac will help you make the most of the appellation and discover wines and unforgettable experiences!
- Because exploring the Bordeaux Wine Road in the Graves and Sauternes region guarantees breathtaking tours in the middle of enchanting landscapes and châteaux
What is the
Graves Supérieures style ?
When it comes to Graves Supérieures wines, what you see is what you get – they are the epitome of authenticity and elegance.
Their signature: the Bordeaux spirit in all its splendor
These semi-sweet white wines are definitely not lacking in charm: freshness and roundness are the watchwords here, underpinned by aromas of honey, candied fruit and flowers. They come in an array of styles from one estate to the next, but they are all equally delicious.
Did you know that they are grown next to red and dry white wines, which belong to the Graves appellation? Head to their dedicated page to discover their secrets.
What do Graves Supérieures semi-sweet white wines and Graves dry white wines have in common? They are all easy to drink
Which kind of wines can be found in Graves Supérieures?
As we already mentioned, only semi-sweet white wines.
Three grape varieties are used to make them. Firstly, Sémillon (48%), producing full-bodied and elegant wines. Secondly, Sauvignon Blanc (45%), adding liveliness and characteristic aromas. Finally, touches of Muscadelle (4%), providing lovely floral and fruity notes.
Fun facts
Three fun facts you need to know about Graves Supérieures
To help you understand (and enjoy) Graves Supérieures to the full!
1.
It all started in the Graves! In the 12th century, the very first wine which traveled from Bordeaux to England was produced here. This is where the global reputation of Bordeaux wines was built.
2.
The secret behind Graves Supérieures semi-sweet white wines? Patience! Their grapes are hand-picked when overripe and in successive passes to obtain just the right amount of sugar and aromatic richness. It is a real meticulous craft.
3.
The name “Graves” comes from old French “grava”, aka “gravelly terrain”. A lovely tribute to gravelly and pebbly soils – the signature of the appellation – and a tremendous sense of pride, as the only PDO to bear the name of its terroir
Let’s talk about the soil
A combination of gravel, smooth pebbles and the influence of the nearby river: welcome to Graves Supérieures.
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This is where the Garonne River deposited all its treasures carried from the Pyrenees over thousands of years. The gravelly soils capture heat from the sun and release it at night, providing natural warmth which the vines are particularly fond of! The deeper subsoils consist of a patchwork of stones, gravel, sand, clay, silt and limestone, ensuring perfect drainage. The result? Very ripe grapes producing perfectly balanced wines which are the epitome of elegance and finesse.
Let’s travel back in time
A long time before Bordeaux became the wine region it is today, its origins started here, in the 1st century. These gravelly soils are where the first grape varieties, vintages and great châteaux flourished.
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However, it wasn’t until the Middle Ages that winegrowing became widespread, constituting a godsend for these stony soils which finally found their match to showcase all their assets. And while their wines were already being exported to England and northern Europe, the reputation of the Bordeaux vineyards really took off.
From the 16th to the 18th centuries, great estates were built and Graves wines unofficially became the reference of the Bordeaux wine region. In 1937, the Graves Supérieures PDO was officially recognized by decree, testifying to the elegance of its semi-sweet white wines.
