The AOC PessacLéognan (1987) encompasses vineyards located around two main areas: Pessac and Léognan, in the Graves region, just a few kilometers south of the city of Bordeaux. It includes 75 châteaux, 16 of which hold the Crus Classés de Graves classification, such as the legendary Château HautBrion. The wineries are spread across 10 towns, covering more than 1,600 hectares of vineyards.
The AOC PessacLéognan represents nearly one-third of the production in the Graves region, producing around 10 million bottles each year, far surpassing appellations like Margaux and Pauillac. 70% of Pessac-Léognan wines are destined for export, generating a turnover of over 75 million euros.
Red wines account for 80% of the production, primarily made from cabernet sauvignon and merlot. Cabernet sauvignon thrives magnificently in these gravelly soils, producing powerful reds with firm tannins and great aging potential. Merlot balances the strength of cabernet sauvignon with its roundness and fruitiness. Other permitted red grape varieties include cabernet franc, petit verdot, malbec, and carménère. 20% of the vineyards in the appellation are dedicated to white grape varieties: sauvignon, sémillon, and muscadelle.