Pessac Léognan

The wines of Pessac Leognan, Bordeaux

The Pessac Leognan (AOC) designation of origin was born in 1987. Located just south - southwest of Bordeaux, on the left bank,  Pessac Leognan is one of the most prestigious PDOs in the Bordeaux vineyards and covers 1,610 ha located in 10 municipalities. The Pessac Léognan denomination includes all of the 16 Grands Crus Classes of Graves (1959 classification), and produces around 20% of the Graves wines. 9 Grands Crus Classes produce a white wine (from the Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon and Muscadelle grape varieties). The most famous of all the great chateau  of Pessac Leognan is the legendary Chateau Haut Brion: however, the estate did not wish to appear in the classification of Pessac Leognan wines for its rare white wine, therefore it is produced under the generic Bordeaux designation!

The red wines of Pessac Leognan are blended wines made from Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes, alongside with secondary varietals: Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot (or even Malbec and Carmenere). The soil typology (that of Graves) gave its name to the designation which the Pessac Leognan wines come from. Cabernet Sauvignon grows wonderfully on gravel soils and gives red wines a dark color, a powerful structure and firm tannins. Merlot gives it roundness, fruitiness and suppleness. The great red wines of Pessac Leognan have an excellent reputation, and their ageing potential in the cellar is generally excellent (10 to 30 years). The lighter profile of Pessac Leognan red wines will go perfectly with game, grilled beef or lamb in terms of food and wine pairings...