Graves is a wine region on the left bank of the Bordeaux region of France, characterized by the gravel soils that give it its name. Unique among the sub-regions of Bordeaux, Graves is equally respected for its red and white wines. The AOC Graves, which covers both red and white wines, is the catch-all appellation of the district. A typical Graves red is based on the classic Bordeaux grapes, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, with Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot sometimes in a supporting role.
The typical white wine of Graves is Dry, medium-bodied and usually made from the equally familiar combination of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon. About 2500 hectares of AOC Graves vineyards are devoted to red grapes, with about 750 hectares planted with white grapes. Average production is about 20 million bottles per year for white, red and Graves Supérieures wines. The latter share the same boundaries as Graves, but are a classification for Sweet white wines only, with about 150 hectares of dedicated vineyards.
Malbec, a high-yielding red grape variety, produces tannic and colourful wines. It is produced in different wine-growing regions and changes its name according to the grape variety. Called Auxerrois in Cahors, Malbec in Bordeaux, it is also known as Côt. 6,000 hectares of the Malbec grape are grown in France (in decline since the 1950s). Malbec is also very successful in Argentina. The country has become the world's leading producer of Malbec and offers wines with great potential.
red wines from the region of Graves go well with generally quite well with dishes of beef, lamb or game (deer, venison) such as recipes of beef with onions chinese style, seven o'clock leg of lamb or roast pork confit.
On the nose in the region of Graves often reveals types of flavors of red cherry, citrus or black cherries and sometimes also flavors of dark fruit, cream or microbio. In the mouth in the region of Graves is a powerful with a nice balance between acidity and tannins.
When I first visited Bordeaux, the sleepy landscape of turreted stone châteaux and vineyards seemed timeless, with traditions so well established you felt they would go on forever. But new energy in this famous wine region is visible and audible: bees buzz and sheep graze in organic vineyards; brand-new cellars brim with sustainable features and wine fermenting in trendy amphorae; unusual grapes are gaining attention; and the number of women in key roles keeps growing. Yoga among the vines is s ...
Surely there has been no greater ambassador for Bordeaux and its wines than Jean-Michel Cazes (1935-2023), who has died at the age of 88 after a lengthy illness. He never believed the region, however prestigious, should rest on its laurels, and he was foremost among those who roamed the world promoting its wines and its culture. Home base for Cazes was Château Lynch-Bages, fifth classified growth in Pauillac. It had been acquired by the family in 1939, and they also owned Ormes de Pez in St-Este ...
Inside the Decanter magazine July 2022 issue: FEATURES Fuller-bodied rosés: proud to be pink, Elizabeth Gabay MW Can rosé wines really age?, Elizabeth Gabay MW 10 reasons to drink English sparkling wine, Susy Atkins Decanter guide to picnicking for wine lovers, Chris Losh Piedmont Nebbiolo guide: the latest releases, Aldo Fiordelli Winemaker profile: Sam Kaplan, Jonathan Cristaldi in Napa Valley LEARNING Wine wisdom: Expert tips to help you on your journey through wine Read the new issue in full ...
