The Pessac-Léognan appellation

Although the Pessac-Léognan AOC was officially created in 1987, making it the youngest of the communal Bordeaux appellations, its terroir is remarkably ancient. Vines were already cultivated there more than 2,000 years ago, and many of the properties that contribute to its global renown today have existed for several centuries.

The territory covers ten communes of the Bordeaux metropolitan area and represents 1637 hectares (1377 hectares for red and 260 hectares for white). The terroir is quite similar to that of the Médoc, composed of gravelly rises with more or less significant layers of graves. The gravelly parts are located in the area bordering the Bordeaux conurbation. Terroirs closer to the forest may, in certain identified zones, have less of it.

The history of Pessac-Leognan

In Pessac-Léognan, viticulture is a matter of family dynasties. Generations of women and men work their vines with deeply ingrained passion, through all seasons. United by pride, demanding standards, a sense of balance, temperance, and an insatiable curiosity for innovation, they embody continuous effort. It is this devotion that allows them to reach the ever higher standards of excellence of the appellation.

The exceptional terroir: A natural blessing

The terroir of Pessac-Léognan is truly unique, as if nature had particularly spoiled it. The soils are exceptional, composed of the famous “graves de Bordeaux” – an inimitable mixture of gravel, rolled pebbles, flint, and various small stones, enriched with clay, sand, alios, limestone, and shell beds carried by ancient alluvium.

These gravel deposits form a rolling and well-defined landscape, offering remarkable natural drainage. A dense network of small tributaries of the Garonne (the Peugue, the Eau Bourde, the Eau Blanche, the Breyra, the Saucats) reinforces this drainage, ensuring that the vines are never flooded. This encourages them to develop their roots deeply, drawing necessary water and nutrients directly from the subsoil.

Finally, the microclimate is ideal. To the north, the milder temperatures of the city of Bordeaux regulate the atmosphere. To the east, the Garonne river mitigates the risk of frost, and to the west, the immense Landes forest protects from wind and maintains stable humidity. This temperate and mild climate, with regular hygrometry and the influence of the Atlantic Ocean, creates perfect conditions for very high-quality viticulture.

“I want to listen to my land, understand it, and apply myself to extracting its best profile, in search of an ideal balance between the soils, the plants, those who work here and make the wine, those who live around, and all those who drink it: that’s why my wine is true.”
Winemaker in Pessac-Léognan

The vineyards at the gates of Bordeaux

At the gates of the Bordeaux metropolis, our vineyards offer quintessential Bordeaux wines, deeply rooted in the heart of the city. They form a green lung accessible within 20 minutes from the city center, a verdant oasis with magnificent landscapes, dotted with woods, forests, and waterways, ideal for an escape.

Oenotourism is flourishing there, offering a wealth of experiences: discovery of Crus Classés and family estates, exploration of historic châteaux, tastings, and stays in prestigious accommodations, all within an exceptional gastronomic setting.

As guardians of a unique natural heritage in Bordeaux, the winemakers of Pessac-Léognan have always been committed to sustainable viticulture, biodiversity, and exemplary environmental, social, and societal responsibility.

The wines of the appellation

The red wines

Cabernet Sauvignon reigns supreme in the red wines of Pessac-Léognan. It is this grape that bestows upon them the structure, power, harmony, and longevity found in the greatest Bordeaux wines. It also develops characteristic mineral aromas, a true signature of the appellation, which fascinates enthusiasts and collectors alike.

The emblematic style of Pessac-Léognan is praised for its authenticity of fruit, its pure expression of terroir, its restraint, and its refusal of excess. This elegance is enhanced by the marriage of Cabernet Sauvignon with Merlot. The latter is not to be outdone, bringing suppleness and adapting perfectly to our unique terroir. Their aging potential is impressive, often between 10 and 20 years, or even much more for Grand Crus and exceptional vintages.

The white wines

Pessac-Léognan is the only communal appellation to excel in the production of both red and white wines, both of exceptional quality. This is a unique strength and a globally recognized hallmark.

Our dry whites, true jewels of the appellation (approximately one-fifth of our volumes), include the prestigious Crus Classés of 1953. They embody a consistent style of great class, and thanks to their remarkable aging potential, they fully solidify our reputation for excellence.

These wines enchant enthusiasts and collectors worldwide with their complexity, vibrancy, and harmony. They offer a delicate balance between herbaceous and floral notes, aromas of white fruits and citrus, a beautiful acidity, crispness, and a fine minerality.

Sauvignon provides structure, freshness, and fruitiness. Sémillon imparts richness and unique aromas of candied fruits. A touch of Muscadelle can enhance the blend with its delicate floral notes. While their aging potential is generally 2 to 5 years, some great crus and vintages can easily age up to 10-15 years, developing a fascinating complexity.