Classification of Graves wine

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Carbonnieux White Bordeaux

Graves

Wine region
Type	Appellation d'origine contrôlée
Country	France
Part of	Bordeaux wine regions
Other regions in Bordeaux wine regions	Médoc AOC, Saint-Émilion AOC
Sub-regions	Pessac-Léognan AOC
Grapes produced	Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon

The Classification of Graves wine is a system used to categorize and rank the wines produced in the Graves region of Bordeaux, France. This classification was established in 1953 and revised in 1959. Unlike the 1855 Bordeaux Classification, which only includes red wines, the Graves classification includes both red and white wines.

History

The Graves classification was initiated by the Institut National des Appellations d'Origine (INAO) to recognize the quality of wines from the Graves region. The classification was first published in 1953 and later updated in 1959 to include additional estates.

Criteria

The classification is based on the quality of the wine produced by the estates. Factors such as the reputation of the estate, the quality of the vineyard, and the consistency of the wine production are considered. The classification is unique in that it includes both red and white wines, reflecting the diverse production of the Graves region.

Classified Estates

The classified estates in Graves are known as Crus Classés. There are 16 estates that have been classified, and they are recognized for producing high-quality wines. Some of the notable estates include:

• Château Haut-Brion
• Château La Mission Haut-Brion
• Château Pape Clément
• Château Smith Haut Lafitte

Sub-Regions

The Graves region is divided into several sub-regions, with Pessac-Léognan AOC being the most notable. This sub-region was created in 1987 and includes many of the classified estates.

Related Pages

• Bordeaux wine
• Bordeaux wine regions
• 1855 Bordeaux Classification
• Pessac-Léognan AOC
• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Merlot
• Sauvignon Blanc
• Sémillon

See Also

• French wine
• Wine classification