Pessac-Léognan

The original home of ‘clairet’ – a dark rose appreciated by the Dutch and English from the 13th to the 18th century. Although this wine is now uncommon in the region nearly all Bordeaux reds are now referred to as clarets in English. In fact, Pessac Leognan is the most probably the place where wine growing first took off in the Bordeaux over 2000 years ago.

The terroir features a thick layer of gravel and stone which is carried by the River Gironde. Beneath this is sand, hardpan and clay. Vineyards are sometimes surrounded by purposefully planted pine trees to protect from humid prevailing winds.
The reds produced here tend to have an alluring bouquet and are among the very best in Bordeaux. Pessac Leognan is the home of Haut-Brion, Grave’s resident first growth. The white wines have impeccable structure and are ticking time bombs for after five years or so they begin to express an intensely rich aroma.

Soils: Gravels
Size: 1,350 hectares
Output: 9,000,000 bottles
Type of wine produced: Supple red wine with an explosive bouquet. Medium to full body white wines.
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot for reds. Semillon and Sauvignon for whites.