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Our soils are exceptional, thanks to the « grabas de Bourdeus », the famous « Bordeaux gravel » consisting of gravel and rolled pebbles, flint and various small stones mixed with clay, sand, alios and other “faluns” carried by quaternary alluvium: no other terroir compares to that of Pessac-Léognan.
These gravel deposits are part of hilly landforms hilltops, which allow for remarkable natural drainage. This is further reinforced by a rich hydrographic network of small tributaries of the Garonne (the Peugue, the Eau Bourde, the Eau Blanche, Breyra, Saucats): never at risk of flooding or drowning, our vines develop their roots deep down to draw the water they need from the subsoil.
We also benefit from an ideal microclimate, regulated to the North by the higher temperatures of the nearby town, to the East by the Garonne, which attenuates the frosts, and to the West by the Landes forest, which protects us from the winds and helps maintain humidity: a mild climate with regular rainfall, influenced by the nearby ocean, conspiring to create the most favorable conditions for quality viticulture.
Our vines flank the outskirts of the city, making our wines quintessentially Bordeaux, deeply embedded in the urban landscape of the Aquitaine metropolis. For Bordeaux residents and visitors alike, the vineyards of Pessac-Léognan offer a magnificent oasis of greenery, accessible in just under 20 minutes from the city center, offering superb scenery, country trails, forests and waterways.
Wine is the life line running through Bordeaux and oenotourism is booming. The region has a great deal to offer from Grand Crus Classés, family estates, historic châteaux to medieval fortresses, first-class accommodation, tasting sessions, and outstanding gastronomy.
In addition, our appellation, which underpins the unique natural heritage of the Bordeaux region, has always placed sustainable management of the vines and protection of biodiversity at the heart of its priorities. More broadly, its vignerons champion a collective commitment to environmental, social and societal responsibility.
We are the only appellation in Bordeaux to produce red and white wines, which are both exceptional: it’s a strength, a hallmark that sets us apart.
Our dry whites, which include the 1953 Grands Crus Classés, are instantly identifiable, offering high-class, consistent style.
Representing 20% of the appellation’s volumes, they fully contribute to our reputation for excellence, which is further enhanced by their remarkable aptitude for ageing.
Combining complexity, freshness and harmony with a perfect balance between herbaceous and floral notes – white fruits, delicate citrus notes – good acidity, and a fine minerality, Pessac-Léognan’s dry white wines are acclaimed by amateurs and collectors alike, both at home and abroad.
The Sauvignon brings structure, freshness and fruitiness, while the Sémillon is full-bodied and buttery, offering unique aromas of candied fruit. Muscadelle can add a delicate touch of floral aromas.
King of the Pessac-Léognan red wines, Cabernet Sauvignon has all the hallmarks of the very best Bordeaux wines possessing structure, power, harmony, consistency and longevity, whilst also offering mineral aromas typical of the appellation. A pallet that never ceases to amaze amateurs and collectors alike. Sincerity of the fruit, expression of the terroir, restraint, and the rejection of excess are characteristics of the PessacLéognan style, so celebrated around the world. As is the elegance of the combination of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, the latter not to be outdone in terms of its suppleness and perfect adaptation to the terroir.
In addition, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Malbec and Carménère can also be used in the blending of Pessac-Léognan red wines, contributing to the finesse, silky tannins, rich aromatic bouquet and longevity for which they are renowned.
Pessac-Léognan has been home to 14 Grands Crus Classés in our region, since 1953. This includes Château Haut-Brion, which was also classified in 1855. They are the flagships of our appellation, and signify the quality of our terroirs.
For generations, family dynasties have worked their vines all year round, by day and sometimes by night, with a passion for their terroir. Together, these women and men form an extended family of PessacLéognan vignerons, united in their values: individual and collective pride, precision, the taste for balance, temperance but also an insatiable curiosity for innovation, and finally a sense of continuous effort, which makes it possible to achieve ever higher levels of quality, forever in accordance with the standards of the appellation.
Without show, fuss, or unnecessary hustle and bustle, they are concerned only with authenticity and humanity, serene at work day after day, certain in the knowledge that the sum of their efforts to honour their terroir, whilst respecting the environment, will be fully rewarded.
There exists a ‘cult of truth’ specific to Pessac-Léognan, which one of our vignerons sums up perfectly:
“I want to listen to my land, understand it and apply myself to extracting the very best from it, in search of an ideal balance between the soils, the plants, those who work here and make the wine, those who live nearby and all those who drink it: this is why my wine is true.”
It says everything.
‘‘L’Esprit Bordeaux” perfectly embodied by Pessac-Léognan vignerons, is a total commitment to the service of precision viticulture. It’s this alone that ensures the development of wines of pleasure and emotion, wines that are fresh, fruity and linger in the mouth: encapsulating the accuracy and elegance specific to Bordeaux’s best wines.
A spirit on which the ancient reputation of Pessac-Léognan vignerons is founded. Today, it’s more apparent than ever, everyone can see it – offering qualities of true taste, harmony, accuracy and temperance, all very appealing of the evolving values of our world today. As vignerons of Pessac-Léognan, we have never courted fleeting fashions, preferring to concentrate on preserving the timeless style of our wines. Championing constant progress, spurred on by thoughtful innovation. That this exacting style, quintessentially Bordeaux, is sought after today, delights us.
In addition, the fact that these favoured Bordeaux wines are cultivated at the gates of the city in Pessac-Léognan further enchants us.
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