Graves Wine Region (Appellations, 8 Magnificent Bottles, Prices)

The iconic Graves wine region of Bordeaux is equally well known for its elegant red and white wines. 

It is named after the gravelly soil found on its vineyard lands. This Bordeaux sub-region is where the Romans first planted grape vine parcels (nearly 2,000 years ago.)

In this article, discover what makes the Graves wine region unique. We’ll explore the exceptional Graves appellations, the region’s best wines, and their investment potential.

Quick Facts About Graves Wine

Where is the Graves wine region located?

The Graves wine region stretches across the left bank of the Garonne River south of the city of Bordeaux.

What type of wine is produced in Graves?

The Graves appellation produces red wine, dry white wine, and sweet wine.

What are the grape varieties grown in the Graves appellation?

The red grapes planted in this French wine region are:

• Merlot
• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Cabernet Franc
• Petit Verdot
• Malbec
• Carmenere

The grapes grown for making dry white wine (white Grave wine) are:

• Semillon 
• Sauvignon Blanc 
• Muscadelle 
• Sauvignon Gris  

What is the Graves terroir like?

Red wine grapes grow in gravel, pebbles, quartz, sand, and clay soils.   

The white wine grape vines grow in clay, limestone, and gravel soils.

Graves has one of the warmest temperatures among the major Bordeaux regions. Estates in Graves are usually the first to start the harvesting season.

What is the wine classification in Graves?

The best wines from the Graves appellation fall under two main classifications:

• Bordeaux 1855 Classification: Only Chateau Haut Brion of Graves is included in the official Bordeaux 1855 Classification as First Growth Cru.
• 1959 Graves Classification: The 1959 Graves Classification includes 16 chateaux from the Graves region. Their wines are labeled as Cru Classe des Graves.

The Appellations in the Graves Wine Region

The Graves wine region produces about 1,200,000 cases of red wine and 466,600 cases of white wine annually. 

It encompasses six appellations spanning nearly 3,500 hectares of vineyard lands:

• Graves AOC: This appellation produces exceptional red and dry white wine.
• Graves Superieure AOC: This appellation produces sweet white wine.
• Pessac Leognan AOC: The Pessac Leognan appellation was created in 1987 — until then, it was a part of the Graves AOC. The Pessac Leognan appellation is known for its red and white wines and prestigious chateaux like Chateau Haut Brion and Chateau La Mission Haute Brion.
• Sauternes AOC and Barsac AOC: Both appellations are known for their Botrytis sweet wine. 
• Cerons AOC: Similar to Sauternes, Cerons appellation produces sweet white wines. 

The Best Graves Wines To Buy In 2023

Here are the finest Graves wines to try this year:

1. 2015 Liber Pater, Graves, France ($38,175)​​

This red wine has ripe fruit, strawberry, and balsamic vinegar aromas. The palate is smooth with dark fruit and cassis notes. Pair this Graves wine with lamb, cheese, and grilled meats.

2. 2011 Liber Pater, Graves, France ($4,604)

Here is a rich red wine from the Bordeaux appellation with cassis, cocoa, and red fruit aromas. The wine has good acidity and tasting notes of black cherry fruit and dark chocolate. 

3. 2009 Liber Pater Blanc, Graves, France ($4,279)

This Graves Blanc wine, made with 100% Semillon grapes, has pineapple and floral aromas. The palate is vibrant with ripe fruit, nuts, and honey notes. Enjoy a glass of this white Bordeaux with a creamy seafood dish and sushi.

4. 2010 Grand Enclos du Chateau de Cerons Elixir du Grand Enclos, Graves, France ($99)

This Bordeaux wine has blackcurrant and red fruit aromas and a flavorful palate of cedar and cassis fruit with firm tannins and low acidity.  

5. 1979 Chateau de Portets, Graves, France ($78)

Here is a delicious red wine with black and red fruit, spices, and floral aromas. The palate has dominant ripe fruit notes and soft tannins. 

6. 2012 Chateau Massereau 'Eliott', Graves, France ($196)

This exceptional single varietal red wine has a complex nose of mint, tobacco, and ripe fruit aromas. The palate is powerful with fresh dark fruit notes and a long finish. 

7. 1962 Chateau Bouscaut Blanc Graves, France ($139)

This outstanding white wine has an apricot and citrus nose and a well-structured palate with fine acidity and minerality.

8. 1960 Chateau La Garde Graves, France ($276)

Here is a red wine with cassis fruit and earthy aromas accompanied by moss, tobacco, and dark fruit flavors.

Investing in Graves Wine

If you’re eager to add Graves wine to your collection, you should consider a credible wine investment platform like Vinovestto easily invest in a bottle or more.

Most Graves wines can be enjoyed young but they also have good longevity. The aging potential of the red wines is about 5-15 years, and the white wines can be aged for 1-5 years. 

Graves wines enjoy steady price increases over time. For example, between 2020 and 2021:

• The limited-edition 2015 Liber Pater wine price rose from $33,280 to $38,225, a 15% increase.
• The price of the 2016 Grand Enclos du Chateau de Cerons Elixir du Grand Enclos rose by 7%, from $84 to $90. 

Wines from the Graves region are popular at auctions too.

• In 2000, two dozen bottles of 1996 Chateau La Garde sold for $276 at Christie’s.
• In 2022, an 18-liter bottle of 2011 Liber Pater is expected to be available for auction at a price of around $292,900.  

Invest in an Expressive, Delicious Graves Wine 

Graves wines are vibrant, elegant, and investment-worthy. Whether you prefer sensual red wine or crisp, dry white wine, there’s something for all wine lovers. 

Your next step? 

Discover how you can invest, store, and sell these Bordeaux and other fine wines through Vinovest.