Pessac-Léognan AOC
Bordeaux's premier appellation for both red and white Graves wines, home to all classified Graves estates; distinctive gravelly terroir produces structured reds and age-worthy barrel-fermented whites.
Permitted Varieties
Key Regulatory Constraints
- Red grapes 45-60 hl/ha yield
- White grapes 48-65 hl/ha yield
- All 1959 Graves classified estates located within appellation
- Barrel aging traditional for both colors
Pessac-Léognan AOC
Technical Summary
- Classification: AOC (Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée)
- Legal status: Protected Designation of Origin under EU wine regulations
- Country: France
- Region: Bordeaux
- Geographic scope: 10 communes at northern end of Graves, surrounding city of Bordeaux
- Area under vine: ~1,850 hectares
- Core products: Red wines; Dry white wines
Unique Position: Contains ALL 16 classified Graves estates (1959 Classification); split from Graves AOC in 1987.
Regulatory Constraints (Verified)
Ampelographic Composition
Red varieties:
- Cabernet Sauvignon: Principal
- Merlot: Principal
- Cabernet Franc: Authorized
- Petit Verdot: Authorized
- Malbec: Authorized
- Carmenère: Authorized
White varieties:
- Sémillon: Principal
- Sauvignon Blanc: Principal
- Muscadelle: Authorized
- Sauvignon Gris: Authorized
Yield Limits
Red wines:
- Base yield: 45 hl/ha
- Maximum (butoir): 60 hl/ha
White wines:
- Base yield: 48 hl/ha
- Maximum (butoir): 65 hl/ha
Minimum Alcohol
- Red wines: 11% ABV
- White wines: 11% ABV
- Typical: 13-14% ABV (both colors)
1959 Graves Classification
All 16 classified estates are within Pessac-Léognan:
Classified for Red Wine:
- Château Haut-Brion (also 1855 First Growth)
- Château La Mission Haut-Brion
- Château Pape Clément
- Château Smith Haut Lafitte
- Château Haut-Bailly
- Domaine de Chevalier
- And 10 others
Classified for White Wine:
- Château Haut-Brion Blanc
- Domaine de Chevalier Blanc
- Château Laville Haut-Brion
- And others
Note: Some estates classified for both red and white.
Enological Implications
Evidence-backed:
- Gravelly soils (quaternary gravel deposits) provide excellent drainage
- Earlier ripening than Médoc (proximity to Bordeaux)
- Barrel fermentation standard for white wines
- Extended oak aging for both colors
- White wines: Age-worthy (10-30+ years for classified estates)
Operational observation:
- Red style: Slightly rounder than Médoc (higher Merlot typical)
- White style: Barrel-fermented, sur lie aged
- Warmer microclimate accelerates ripening
- Earlier harvest than northern Médoc
- Urban encroachment limits expansion
Frequent Compliance Risks
- Geographic boundaries: 10 specific communes only
- Yield limits: Red 45-60 hl/ha; White 48-65 hl/ha
- Classification reference: Only Pessac-Léognan estates can reference 1959 Graves Classification
White Wine Distinction
Pessac-Léognan Blanc is distinctive:
- Barrel-fermented (new French oak typical)
- Sur lie aging (6-12 months)
- Sémillon-dominant adds body, texture
- Sauvignon Blanc adds freshness
- Ages exceptionally (15-30+ years)
- Among world’s finest dry whites
Relevant Grape Varieties
- Cabernet Sauvignon - principal red variety
- Merlot - principal red variety
- Sémillon - principal white variety
- Sauvignon Blanc - principal white variety
References
-
INAO (2011). “Cahier des Charges - Pessac-Léognan AOC.” https://www.inao.gouv.fr
-
Classification of Graves (1959). Official Graves Classification. Link
-
CIVB (2024). Conseil Interprofessionnel du Vin de Bordeaux. https://www.bordeaux.com
Last Updated: January 6, 2026