The Graves appellation is one of the oldest and most prestigious wine-growing regions in Bordeaux, often regarded as the historical cradle of the Bordeaux vineyard. Located on the Left Bank of the Garonne River, south of the city of Bordeaux, it extends along a long strip of land characterised by the unique soils that gave it its name: "graves" (gravels). These gravels are deposits of pebbles, gravel, sand, and clay swept down by the river over geological eras. This specific terroir, often nutrient-poor but remarkably well-drained, imparts a unique personality to Graves wines, defined by finesse, elegance, and a distinctive minerality.

The Graves appellation is distinctive in producing both:

• Red wines: Primarily crafted from a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc, sometimes complemented by Petit Verdot or Malbec. They are renowned for their balance, fine-grained tannins, aromas of black fruit, tobacco, and liquorice, as well as their excellent ageing potential.
• Dry white wines: Mainly based on Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon, often with a touch of Muscadelle. They are distinguished by their aromatic freshness (citrus, exotic fruit, boxwood), crisp acidity, and capacity to develop complex nuances as they age (wax and honeyed notes).

An exceptional terroir enhanced by committed viticulture

Château Cazebonne is proud to belong to this historic appellation and to work this exceptional terroir according to the principles of organic and biodynamic farming. Our commitment goes beyond mere tradition by exploring the often-forgotten wealth of this terroir. Through respectful practices, we strive to reveal the finesse and minerality typical of Graves, offering wines that speak directly of their place of origin.

Our project to replant historic, forgotten grape varieties—such as Mancin, Castets, Saint-Macaire, or Blanc Verdet—brings a unique originality to our cuvées, offering a fresh interpretation of Graves wines. This is exemplified by our 100% Mancin cuvée or our "pirate" blend "Comme un goût de Liberté", reviving authentic flavours of yesteryear. Our vibrant approach to viticulture and vinification yields energetic, approachable wines of great purity, reflecting our quest for an easy-drinking Graves wine. Our work is a tangible illustration of the Bordeaux revival and the growing interest in forgotten Bordeaux grape varieties. To learn more about our philosophy, discover our role as a biodynamic winegrower in Graves.

Terroir diversity and the typicity of Graves wines

The subsoil of Graves is a complex mosaic of pebbles, gravel, sand, and clay, remnants of ancient alluvial deposits from the Garonne. This geological diversity creates a tapestry of micro-terroirs that directly influences the character of the wines. Sandier parcels tend to produce more supple, aromatic wines, whereas soils rich in large gravel pebbles provide structure and minerality. The natural drainage capacity of these "poor" soils forces the vines to send their roots deep into the ground, drawing out remarkable aromatic complexity and lovely freshness, even during the driest summers. This soil specificity is the defining factor behind the identity of Graves wines, both red and white.

Graves wines in three colours: a broad spectrum of expressions

The Graves appellation is unique in Bordeaux for its ability to produce top-tier wines across an extensive range of styles. Traditionally acclaimed for its elegant reds and crisp dry whites, parts of its territory are also distinguished by sweet, botrytised white wines, notably in the neighbouring Sauternes and Barsac areas. This versatility offers wine enthusiasts an unparalleled breadth of tasting experiences:

• Red Graves wines: Dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, they stand out for their balance. In their youth, they reveal fresh red and black fruit notes; with maturity, they evolve towards forest floor, leather, and spice aromas, supported by integrated tannins and lingering length.
• Dry white Graves wines: Mostly made from Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon, they offer vibrant acidity and aromatic complexity ranging from citrus to boxwood, alongside the characteristic smoky nuances of the terroir. They can be enjoyed young for their freshness or cellared to develop rich notes of honey and candied fruit.
• Sweet white Graves wines: Although more commonly associated with neighbouring appellations, select Graves vineyards produce sweet wines of immense finesse, born from late harvests of grapes affected by noble rot (Botrytis cinerea). Rich and unctuous, these wines are marked by aromas of candied fruit, honey, and saffron.

Cazebonne: qualitative recognition in Graves

This distinctive approach to the Graves terroir and our steadfast commitment to quality are regularly praised by the wine press and critics. A recent major milestone was receiving our first star in the prestigious Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France (La Revue du Vin de France), a distinction placing us in an enviable position, ahead of several classified growths of Pessac-Léognan listed in the same guide. To learn more about what the best Graves wines are, please explore our dedicated articles.

Food and wine pairings with Château Cazebonne Graves

Graves wines offer an aromatic and structural profile that allows for a wide array of food pairings. Our red wines, with their fine tannins and dark fruit aromas, pair wonderfully with grilled red meats, game, or mature cheeses. The crisp, aromatic dry white wines are the ideal match for seafood, grilled fish, or poultry in creamy sauces. For more adventurous pairings with our cuvées crafted from historic grape varieties, do not hesitate to experiment with innovative culinary combinations.

Choosing a Cazebonne wine means discovering—or rediscovering—Graves in a fresh, authentic, daring, and critically acclaimed light. It also means supporting our project of replanting forgotten Bordeaux grape varieties, a long-term endeavour made possible by the unwavering support of the many enthusiasts who enjoy our wines. To delve deeper into the fascinating history of Bordeaux varieties, we invite you to claim the digital version of the book "Bordeaux, une histoire de cépages" published by Éditions BBD and written by Jean-Baptiste Duquesne, available here. You can also test your wine knowledge with our wine quizzes. To discover all our cuvées and support our approach, feel free to visit our online boutique to find great-value Graves wines. Lovers of rare wines will also appreciate the quest for the original taste of Bordeaux led by Liber Pater (Loïc Pasquet).

At Château Cazebonne, we are dedicated to preserving and enhancing the exceptional heritage of Graves, while innovating through historic grape varieties and environmentally respectful practices. Every bottle reflects this passion, inviting you on a unique tasting journey. Discover our wines, download our book "Bordeaux, une histoire de cépages" to explore the world of forgotten varieties, test your knowledge with our wine quizzes, and browse our full collection in our online boutique. Your support is vital to continuing our work and bringing these Bordeaux viticultural treasures back to life.