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.
Pinot Gris is a grey grape variety mutated from Pinot Noir. It has its origins in Burgundy, where it is called pinot-beurot in reference to the colour of the grey robes worn by the monks of the region. Established in Alsace since the 17th century, pinot gris was called tokay until 2007. It is made up of bunches of small berries that vary in colour from pink to blue-grey. It is particularly well suited to the continental climate because it is resistant to the cold in winter and to spring frosts. This variety also likes dry limestone soils with plenty of sunshine in the summer. Pinot Gris is well suited to late harvesting or to the selection of noble grapes, depending on the year and the concentration of sugars in the berries. Pinot Gris wines are distinguished by their aromatic complexity of white fruits, mushrooms, honey, vanilla, cinnamon, etc., and their great finesse. In the Loire Valley, pinot gris is used in the Coteaux-d'Ancenis appellations. It gives dry or sweet wines with pear and peach aromas.
