Graves-Pessac: Meet the Families Media Kit

MEET THE FAMILIES OF GRAVES & PESSAC -LEOGNAN

One Region. Four Appellations. The Original Bordeaux Wines.

At the gateway to Bordeaux, the appellations of Graves, Pessac-Léognan, Sauternes and Barsac trace an historic lineage along the Left Bank of the Garonne River. Here, more than 450 winegrowers are committed to cultivating their estates with passion, ingenuity and family know- how. The people of Graves-Sauternes are the living legacy of “Grands Vins de Bordeaux,” known for prestigious Classified Growths like Château Yquem and Château Haut Brion as well as new generation of winemaking and inspiration. This is a region of small vineyards and big personalities dedicated to the production of memorable wines.

At the heart of the region lies one of the wine world’s most diverse terroirs, defined by complex natural elements from the Atlantic Ocean, rivers, forests and climate. The result is a range of stylish red, white and sweet wines with extraordinary finesse and wide appeal.

In this topographic view of the Graves Sauternes, we present a view of the appellations from North to South to show the many natural terroir advantages of the region on the banks of the Garonne River.

ATLANTIC OCEAN

Maritime influences mean mild winters and warm summers, a moderate and stable climate with relatively few frosts.

RIVERS

The Ciron River (cooled from the Landes forests) meets the warmer Garonne to create misty mornings and the perfect conditions for botrytis.

NORTH

GRAVES

DIVERSE SOILS

The classic gravel soils of the region are the result of many millennia of geological activity by glaciers and rivers.

FORESTS & HILLS

The extensive Landes de Gascogne pine forest acts as a protective barrier from Atlantic storms. Gently rolling hills, woodlands and charming villages define the landscape.

GATEWAY TO BORDEAUX

Pessac-Léognan lies just south of Bordeaux, including celebrated estates such as Château Haut Brion. Trains quickly connect the Graves region to city center Bordeaux.

DIVERSITY OF CHARACTER, STYLE AND TERROIR

Graves refers to a region as well as an appellation in its own right. Sourced from a variety of terroir of diferent character, the wines of Graves are known for artful blending and elegance.

Graves is named for the distinct, gravelly stone soils of region. The styles encompass dry white, dry red and sweet wines (Graves Superieures).

Graves Reds are primarily blended from Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, and are known for a fruity, fresh bouquet and a lovely tannic structure.

Graves Whites deliver finesse, style and appealing fruity and floral notes.

The Graves Supérieures Sweet wines are renowned for their golden color, attractive density and smooth texture.

SOILS

Graves is named for gravelly soils, formed by the churning of the Garonne River. Gravel accounts for just one soil type, but it is the most famous. Ancient gravel soils spread throughout the region in varying sizes and depths. Gravel allows for excellent drainage, an aspect that contributes to fine wines.

SOUTHERN EXPOSURE

Situated in the south of Bordeaux, the Graves region is a warmer area. Gravel reflects and retains summer heat. These factors help to ripen fruit approximately two weeks earlier than in other parts of Bordeaux . A natural advantage in challenging years, vines from the Graves often thrive over other areas in a wet vintage.

Perromat Family

Château de Cérons

Meet the Perromat family.

The Perromat family has produced wines in the Graves and Sauternes regions for nine generations. The name “Perromat” means “head of stone” in Gascon, and it’s a fitting meaning: As a large family of doctors and passionate winegrowers, the Perromat family’s expertise and character have contributed to the reputation of Bordeaux wines over the generations.

Xavier and Caroline Perromat took over the management of Château de Cérons in 2012 from Jean and Suzanne Perromat, two great personalities of the wine world. Xavier has managed the vineyard and vinification at Cérons since the 1982 vintage, while Caroline joined him in 2012 after 15 years at Château Haut Bailly. Two of their four children also work in the wine world, continuing the Perromat legacy.

Committed to the environment, Xavier and Caroline employ technical measures in the vineyards and cellars to reduce impact on surrounding nature and villagers. Château de Cérons was certified HVE3 in 2018 and has pursued a conversion to organic farming since 2020.

“The quality of the wines of Château de Cérons depends on the quality of life of the people who work there and who share the beauty of our environment,” the Perromats said. “Our family has continued to vinify the wines of the estate with the greatest care by adapting methods each year to the particularities of each vintage.”

Fun Fact: Siesta and Sips

Visitors can take a direct train from Bordeaux to enjoy relaxing activities at Cérons, such as an afternoon siesta with wine, outdoor picnics and private rotisserie.

Yung -Theron Family Château

de Portets

Meet the Yung-Théron family.

Marie-Hélène Yung-Théron was born in the house she currently lives in with her family, steeped with the memories of her grandfather entering the courtyard every morning with stories of the vines. Her grandfather’s passion for “the most beautiful job in the world” has driven Marie Hélène to continue the Yung Théron family’s current chapter.

In 1956, Château de Portets was first acquired by Marie Hélène’s grandfather, architectural engineer and president of the General Council of Oran (Algeria), Jules Therón. Accompanied by his son, Jean Pierre, he invigorated the estate, which had lain dormant since World War II.

Married in 1998, Marie Hélène and her husband, Rodolphe Yung, have two children, Charles and Paul. To this day, the Château de Portets remains a family property welcoming three generations under its roof. Marie Hélène has always encouraged her sons to follow their own career paths, but the whole family will always share a legacy at Portets.

Sustainable eforts

Marie Hélène devotes her work to managing Portets’ winemaking process and showcasing the property, its vines, its wines and its history. The château is HVE3 and ISO 14001 certified, proof of its commitment to sustainability. Key environmental practices include monitoring energy consumption, selective sorting, a wastewater treatment system and a sustainable viticulture method.

Fun Fact: Honoring the Harvest

The statue of philosopher writer Saint Héloïse stands in the main courtyard of the Château de Portets in a niche above the large entrance door.

The Yung Théron family greets her at the beginning of each harvest to thank her for preserving the harvest and maintaining the vineyards. Marie -Hélène shares the name of her paternal grandmother, Héloïse, as her middle name, honoring a family winemaking commitment through the generations.

Chatin Family

Château de Respide

Meet the Chatin family.

Château de Respide has a history that spans four centuries. First mentions of Respide date back to 1630, and over the years, the estate has passed through the hands of many notable families. In 2021, the Chatin family began a new winemaking legacy in the historic vines of Respide.

As a first generation winemaking family, Pierre Edouard and Amélie Chatin hope to one day impart their wine traditions and the passion of the vine to their three young children. Pierre Edouard and Amélie share responsibility equally for managing the estate, with Pierre Edouard directing finances and marketing while Amélie leads production.

Terroir - driven production

Oenology and viticulture are interconnected at Respide; the Chatin family works their plots according to the cuvée for which the grapes are intended. Each wine is created according to the terroir, grape variety and cuvée character.

“My husband and I share the same vision of production: oenology at the service of the terroir, tailor-made according to the grape and the must, with as limited additives as possible,” Amélie said.

Château de Respide is Level 3 HVE certified. The Chatin family is currently pursuing a program to reduce the château’s carbon impact.

Fun Fact : Hidden History

Among Respide’s many notable owners, the painter Henri de Toulouse Lautrec was the nephew of Cécile de Saint Aubin, Ernest Pascal’s wife, whose family owned the Respide estate from 1876 to 1988. Toulouse Lautrec was born the same year as his cousin Louis Pascal, whom he particularly liked. The famous cartoonist paid frequent visits to Château de Respide and was especially fond of its white wines. A legend says he made a sketch of his cousin on the wall of a room in the castle, but no one has found it so far.

Quellien Family

Château Lusseau Graves

Meet the Quellien family.

Château de Lusseau first entered the Quellien family in 1870. In 1972, doctors Marie Neige de Granvilliers and Jean-Thomas Quellien returned to live on the Lusseau property. With their three children, they brought life back to the estate.

A graduate of the Agricultural Professional Training Center of Blanquefort, Bérengère Quellien took over the family property in 2000. Trained as a lawyer, Bérengère expanded the vineyard and began planting the seeds for organic farming with the help of her father, Jean Thomas.

Closely crafted, organic vintages

Shaped in accordance with the principles of organic farming and winemaking since 2007, Château Lusseau utilizes manual harvesting, mechanical weeding and pesticide free production as part of its organic initiatives. Plants such as nettles, horsetail and fern have proven excellent natural fertilizers for the estate, and to counter diseases, copper and sulfur have replaced chemicals and synthetics.

Lusseau’s small area of seven hectares allows the Quellien family to work in an artisanal, intimate way with the vines and vinification process. With such attention to detail, the vintage efect of the wines is highlighted so that each cuvée retains its soul and personality. The family plants white varieties (including 50% Sauvignon, 45% Sémillon) and reds (including 55% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon).

“I would characterize our wines as being imbued with femininity, modernity and non conformism while preserving the typicality, authenticity and original elegance of the wines,” shares Bérengère. “Lusseau puts fruit at the heart of the debate and makes each vintage a new adventure.”

Fun Fact : Harvested by Hand

Lusseau’s white grapes and some of the reds are harvested by hand. The Quellien’s celebrate each harvest with a family day of harvesting and a festive banquet.

Dubourdieu Family

Clos Floridène

Meet the Dubourdieu family.

In 1982, Clos Floridène began as a small, two hectare plot of land planted with old vines of Sémillon and Muscadelle. The estate, which also included the vigneron’s homestead, an old cellar and two hectares of fallow land, was quickly supplanted with vines of Cabernet Sauvignon. The name Clos Floridène stems from the combination of the founders’ names: Denis and Florence Dubourdieu. Clos Floridène today covers an area of 40 hectares in the Graves appellation.

Although the Dubourdieu family began cultivating vines around the French Revolution, it was only in 1924 that Georges Dubourdieu was able to purchase the first family château, Doisy-Daëne. Over a span of 90 years, the Dubourdieu family has produced three generations of winemakers, passed from father to son. Currently, the fourth Dubourdieu generation — Denis' sons Jean Jacques and Fabrice run the estates and continue the family business.

Sustainability in action

In 2017, Denis Dubourdieu became a member of a European program called “Smart Farming” (IOF 2020), which aims to quantify everything possible on a wine estate to improve the precision of practices while reducing energy use. The Dubourdieu family installed more than 80 sensors and six weather stations in the vineyards. All the temperatures in the cellars, vats and sheds are measured and collected, which allows the château to limit risks and increases team precision.

The wines of Clos Floridène have been certified HVE Level 3 since 2016.

“Our family of winemakers live on the estates, and we’re deeply attached to our region,” Jean Jacques Dubourdieu said. “We take every possible measure to protect the environment while also attempting to show it at its best advantage with a high attention to detail.”

Fun Fact: APeekInto

Production

Each fall, the vineyards of Clos Floridène are exclusively ploughed by means of traditional tillage and without herbicides. Organic manure- based compost is made with plant mulch, and staf take great pains during pruning and bud removal season to improve the quality of the grape harvest and lengthen the lifespan of the vines. Trellising, leaf removal and thinning are all carefully done by hand.

FAMILY SELECTIONS FROM GRAVES

Château Lusseau Graves Red 2019

Château de Cérons

Graves Dry White 2020

Château de Portets

Graves Red 2016

Clos Floridène

Graves Dry White 2019

Château de Respide Graves Red 2018

GRAVES WINES, THE SUBLIME ART OF BLENDING

Native to the Graves, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon originated in the region and are now planted worldwide. Graves White and Red wines are artful blends, perfected to balance aromatics and flavors.

GRAVES REDS

- Cabernet Sauvignon is the historic variety of Bordeaux, known for its ability to age and complex aromatic profile. Thrives in well drained gravelly soil that retain heat. Merlot delivers ripe fruit and lighter tannic structure.

- Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Carmenère complement the blend.

GRAVES WHITES

- Sémillon is the region’s dominant white variety known for great finesse in both dry and sweet styles.

- Sauvignon Blanc brings lively character and pronounced aromatics.

- Muscadelle enhances delicate fruity and floral notes.

WINES OF CHARACTER, FOR MANY OCCASIONS

Red, dry white or sweet white, the wines of Graves ofer a full range that span a past, present and future that embodies the glorious and prestige character of Bordeaux wines. Each of the Graves grape varieties have their own unique qualities. The mastery of their specificity and complementary aromas is an ode to the historic tradition and identity of Bordeaux wines. It is up to the winegrower through the subtle art of blending to derive quality, finesse, precision and balance. Timeless and versatile, pair Graves wines with many occasions, from more formal meals (white Graves wines with seafood or white meat, red wines with savory and cheese courses), to more informal occasions (such as the classic aperitif, to enjoy with friends and an outdoor grill).

AOC Pessac

Leognan

POWER AND SUBTLE REFINEMENT

Situated at the gateway to Bordeaux with close proximity to the Port and export markets, Pessac-Léognan is a First Generation Bordeaux region that has been renowned throughout history.

Pessac Léognan became a comunal appellation recognized within the Graves in 1987. The appellation encompasses 10 villages and 72 estates, equally renowned for exceptional dry red and expressive white wines capable of 20 years of aging and more.

The terroir combines a temperate climate influenced by proximity to the Atlantic. Soils are rich in a mix of gravels, shingles and pebbles caused by the constant motion of the Garonne River.

Pessac Léognan is home to 16 Crus Classés de Graves, including world famous Château Haut Brion.

Did you know?

Pessac Léognan is a communal appellation of the Graves region. Producers can choose to bottle their wines as Pessac-Léognan or Graves. 10

Pessac Léognan includes 10 villages: Cadaujac, Canéjan, Gradignan, Léognan, Martillac, Mérignac, Pessac, St-Médard-d'Eyrans, Talence, Villenave d'Ornon

Water & Soils

Graves are the particular mix of shingles, gravel and broken stone mixed with the clay, sand, chalk and shelly sand created by the flow of the Garonne River over millennia. A high level of quartz in the soils of Graves and Pessac Léognan adds unique dimension and character. The soil is so rare and poor that only vines and trees will grow. Gravel deposits in Pessac Léognan accumulate on the hillsides with steep slopes to ensure excellent drainage. A network of small tributaries of the Garonne deliver water to the subsoil to support hydric balance. Graves soils naturally soak up heat from the sun and redistribute it at night allowing for even ripeness.

Perrin Family

Château Carbonnieux

Meet the Perrin family.

Château Carbonnieux is one of the oldest and largest estates in Bordeaux, founded at the end of the 13th Century by a brotherhood of Benedictine Monks from the Abbey of Sainte Croix. The estate is classified as a Grand Cru Classé de Graves.

Since the Perrin family took over the vineyard in 1956, three generations of winemakers have worked tirelessly to develop the property’s image and its outstanding quality of wines. Currently, Eric, Philibert and Christine Perrin manage the estate and are passing along the family legacy to Eric’s eldest sons, Marc and Andréa.

Characterized by distinct terroir

Château Carbonnieux’s distinctive terroir can be traced back to the runof that removed the gravel layer during the Quaternary era. A cap of massive gravel, relatively unafected by erosion, occupies the top of a strongly eroded gravel terrace. This natural drainage of the diverse soil which includes clay, gravel, limestone, and sand supports even , well balanced ripening.

Château Carbonnieux is HVE3 and ISO 14001 certified. A quarter of the vineyard is organic and the rest is cultivated sustainably.

“Each member of the family has their own personality and sensitivity, as do the wines from the plots making up our blends,” Marc said. “It’s important to listen to each other and to take into account everyone's words in order to ofer our consumers wines that embody our family and our magnificent terroir.”

Fun Fact : Historical roots

With seven centuries of history, Château Carbonnieux has a long and storied past, from the Middle Ages to the French Revolution to present day. The vineyards have hosted many notable visitors, including President Thomas Jeferson. On a wine tour of France in 1786, Jeferson visited Carbonnieux and planted an American pecan tree on the property, where it still stands in the courtyard more than two centuries later.

Lurton Family

Château de Cruzeau

Meet the Lurton family.

The Lurton family have championed winemaking in the Bordeaux region since 1897. In 1953, André Lurton inherited his family’s historic estate, Château Bonnet, and in 1975 set out to restore Château de Cruzeau from disrepair.

A man of vision, André helped launch the great dry white wines of the Entre Deux Mers region, then later founded the Pessac Léognan appellation. In all, he acquired four properties in Pessac Léognan: Château Couhins Lurton (Cru Classé de Graves), Château La Louvière, Château de Rochemorin and Château de Cruzeau. Today, his son and granddaughter manage the family estates.

Jacques Lurton took over the presidency of Vignobles André Lurton in 2019, and he puts all his know- how as an oenologist into the service of his family’s wines. His profound experience in more than 20 countries have given him an inspired and creative vision to lead Vignobles André Lurton.

Mathilde de Caix Lurton, André’s granddaughter, became Managing Director of the group in 2022. With her international background, including five years managing wineries in Spain, she is invigorating and growing the family business.

Château de Cruzeau is committed to producing quality wines with a sense of ecological responsibility and a crosscutting CSR policy.

Fun Fact: Through the years

Château de Cruzeau’s existence dates back to the 17th Century, where it was founded by Jacques de Cruzeau. Today, the estate features nearly 100 hectares of vines on beautiful, south-facing, gravelly rises with plenty of river stones a terroir extremely conducive to making great red and white Pessac Léognan wines.

Lacoste Family

Château Ferran

Meet the Lacoste family.

Château Ferran once belonged to famed French philosopher Montesquieu, who first grew vines on the estate in the 18th century. Béraud Sudreau acquired the property in 1880, which led to five generations of skilled winemakers now known as the Lacoste family.

Currently, the fourth generation (Philippe and Ghislaine Lacoste) occupies the 19th century château in the middle of the vineyard. After Philippe ran the estate from 1999 to 2018, his son Thibault took over management with assistance from his sister Olivia.

Early origins in biodiversity

While biodiversity is important to all areas of French wine country, it has been crucial for Château Ferran since its founding days.

Ferran is a 70 hectare property in Pessac Léognan divided between one third vines, one third forests and one -third meadows, tended by cows from Bazas. A beekeeper has used part of the forest for more than 20 years. Since 2018, Château Ferran has been HVE 3 certified.

“Generation after generation, the environment becomes more and more important at Ferran, and we believe our children will continue in that direction,” Thibault said. “Our priority is that our children can grow in a very diverse and healthy environment; we truly believe that this biodiversity and the care we give to our vineyard help us to harvest the best grapes possible.”

Fun Fact: Six generations of winemaking

With three generations still involved in the winemaking traditions of Château Ferran, the Lacoste’s sixth generation is already learning the winemaking trade by participating in the harvest each year. Two plots of vines bear the names of Thibault’s children: Paul and Charlotte.

Gervoson Family

Château Larrivet Haut-Brion

Meet the Gervoson family.

Chateau Larrivet Haut-Brion was first acquired by the Gervoson family in 1987. Under their leadership, balance and growth were restored to the historical vineyards as the family reunified the estate’s château, outbuildings, 13 hectares of grounds and 42 hectares of vines, and replanted 18 hectares of land that had laid fallow.

Today, Philippe Gervoson, his wife Christine and his three daughters transmit a spirit of respect for nature, history, the land and people to their entire team.

After only a few years of ownership, the property reached 72.5 hectares thanks to the acquisition of vines and new plantations. Alongside a dedicated team, Larrivet Haut Brion has continued to modernize its infrastructure, reorganize its vineyards (indepth geo -pedological study) and afrm the quality of the wines.

Bruno Lemoine, Managing Director and Winemaker of Larrivet Haut Brion, embarked on this winery adventure in 2007 and has since put his expertise and innovative ideas at the service of the wines of the Château. In 2009, he was joined by Philippe’s daughter Emilie, who manages public relations for the estate and is a proud representative of a new epicurean generation eager for wine culture.

Fun Fact: Amplifying amphorae

Part and parcel of their fresh, experimental vision, the Larrivet Haut Brion team often implements unique techniques for enhancing their wines. One example is the château’s use of amphorae, clay vessels that assist in wines’ fermentation or ageing (or both). Because clay vessels have pores and are thus breathable, amphorae provide micro oxidation of wine similar to ageing in oak barrels, but without the oaky taste. This results in softer tannins and a more flinty flavor profile.

de Bethmann Family

Château Olivier

Meet the de Bethmann family.

In 1867, Alexandre de Bethmann, originally from a family of bankers from Frankfurt, settled in Bordeaux and became mayor. Among other accomplishments, he had the fountain of the Three Graces built on Place de la Bourse in Bordeaux. Soon after settling in Bordeaux, Château Olivier entered the family following the marriage of his grandson, Jacques de Bethmann, great grandfather of the current owners.

Succeeding her brother Alexandre, Eléonore de Bethmann took over management of Château Olivier in 2021, making her the latest to carry the baton in a 136 year history of family ownership. The estate is classified as a Grand Cru Classé de Graves.

“Our family shares a common vision, inspiring a certain authentic and timeless character of the wines which above all reflect the identity of the place,” Eléonore shares. “The de Bethmann family has always wanted to preserve the identity of our terroir, which is reflected in every choice we make.”

Going organic

The de Bethmann family has always been dedicated to preserving the environment and Château Olivier's ecosystem. In this spirit of long term vision and social responsibility, Château Olivier began an organic conversion in 2021.

From a largely forested estate of 220 hectares, the vineyard area consists of 50 hectares, 38 of which are planted with grape varieties of red while 12 are cultivated with white. The Grand Vin, Château Olivier, produces 18,000 cases of the red wine and 6,000 cases of the dry white each year.

Fun

Fact:

Historic hunting grounds

Château Olivier is a historic seigniory dating back to the Middle Ages. It’s said that the Black Prince enjoyed using the property to hunt, as the surrounding forests were so well stocked with game.

Château Carbonnieux Pessac-Léognan Dry White 2019

Cru Classé de Graves

Château de Cruzeau Pessac Léognan dry white 2019

Château Ferran Pessac Léognan Red 2019

Château Larrivet Haut Brion Pessac-Léognan Red 2018

Château Olivier Pessac-Léognan Red

Cru Classé de Graves 2019

PESSAC -LÉOGNAN STYLE

DRY WHITE WINES

Complexity, freshness, vivacity, harmony

PRIMARY VARIETALS

SauvignonBlancis often the dominant variety. Known for freshness and fruitiness.

Sémillonadds structures and unique aromas of candied fruit.

MATURITY AND PAIRING NOTES

Carefully controlled fermentation is traditionally followed by 6 to 12 months of bâtonnage sur lies to develop structure and aromas. Oak ageing is nuanced and subtle, designed to balance not overshadow the fruit and terroir expression. Pair with seafood and light hors d’oeuvres, white meats and cheeses.

ELEGANT REDS

Elegance with power, delicacy, refinement

PRIMARY VARIETALS

CabernetSauvignonbrings power, complexity, and deep colored with firm tannins.

-Merlotripens early, to balance and smooth the blend with opulence and rich fruit.

CabernetFrancadds fresh, delicate aromas while Petit Verdot brings a slightly wild character.

MATURITY AND PAIRING NOTES

Cellarworthy reds age 12 to 18 months on average with long ageing potential. Young wines show fine aromas and flavors of crushed berries, vanilla, grilled almonds that develop richness and complexity with age. Fine grape tannins lend excellent structure, sweet fruit and velvety finish. Pair with red meats, cheeses, game and new world cuisine.