Pessac Leognan

 

Known as Haut Graves before 1987 when it became independent from it, based on better consistency, quality and first and foremost: the better prices it's wines could fetch. Chateau Haut Brion belongs to this appellation, a first growth and the forefather of all clarets. The minimum vine density is set to 6.500 vines/ha as opposed to the 5.000 vines/ha figure of the Graves. This makes for more competition for nutrients between the vines and accelerates quality. (In top Medoc vineyards this figure can be as high as 10.000 vines/ha.) The area covers now some 1.500 ha and it is probably going to expand further. The Pessac Leognan name can also be used for dry white wines though more (and more simple quality) white wine is coming from the Graves. For reds, Merlot (increasingly) and Cabernet Sauvignon is planted. The soil is mostly gravel though with varying depths throughout the region (can be as shallow as 30 centimeters to as deep as several meters) that is sitting on a limestone-clay bed. Towards the south into the Graves region more clay, limestone and sand is mixing with the gravel. It also have a somewhat warmer microclimate than the Graves that can be explained with the proximity of the city.

 

Chateau Haut Bailly