Small Vineyards, Big Personalities:
The Unexpected Side of Bordeaux
The Left and Right Banks have long commanded the industry’s attention. But the real soul of Bordeaux is found in the Graves-Sauternes region. Backed by passionate vignerons with impressive viticultural lineages, the wines created in this special corner of the world have never taken the trendy—or easy—path. Instead, these winemakers have focused on producing high-quality bottles that span the entire flavor profile spectrum, from red to white, dry to sweet, affordable to precious, and everywhere in between. This diversity of world-class wines has only been made possible by the artisanal techniques, innovation, and, above all, the bold spirit of the local families who continue to pioneer the region’s wines forward day in and day out.
PICTURED CHÂTEAU LUSSEAU, IMAGE COURTESY OF FAVOREAT DESIGN
Overview
Known as the ‘Original Bordeaux,’ the Graves-Sauternes region is made up of four main sub-regions: Graves, Pessac-Léognan, Sauternes and Barsac. More than 450 growers cultivate vines in the region with a unique savoir-faire that ties them all together. From prestigious Classified Growths to approachable table wines, Graves-Sauternes is made up of small vineyards farmed by big personalities, which creates the foundation for long-lived wines that are known to leave a lasting impression. Today, Graves-Sauternes accounts for 6% of all vineyards in Bordeaux (totaling 17,600 acres) and accounts for an annual production of more than 32 million bottles.
Gateway of Bordeaux
Graves-Sauternes traces its historic roots along the Left Bank of the Garonne River. Located just south of the city of Bordeaux, the area has long been considered the entry point to the larger region. These days, it’s even easier to access than ever before with the high-speed train system that connects Bordeaux to larger cities across France.
