The Graves appellation is an exceptional terroir for red wines, renowned for their finesse, harmonious structure, and ability to age gracefully. At Château Cazebonne, we are dedicated to enhancing this heritage by producing red wines that combine the authenticity of the terroir with a constant pursuit of quality and originality.

Traditionally, Graves red wines rely on a precise blend of classic Bordeaux grape varieties, each bringing its own signature:

• Cabernet Sauvignon, the cornerstone of structure, offers refined tannins and subtle black fruit aromas such as blackcurrant, alongside cedar notes that promise excellent ageing potential.
• Merlot brings roundness, sweet fruit richness, and suppleness, with generous red and black fruit aromas ranging from plum to blackberry.
• Cabernet Franc imparts distinctive aromatic elegance, evoking raspberry and violet, and refines the tannic structure.
• Petit Verdot and Malbec, sometimes included in small proportions, enhance colour, add spicy nuances, and bring complexity to the bouquet.

At Château Cazebonne, across a mosaic of terroirs—from deep gravels to clay-limestone soils—we cultivate these grape varieties under certified Organic and Biodynamic viticulture. Our low-intervention approach preserves the purity of the fruit and allows the unique character of each plot to shine through.

Our range of red wines is a journey to the heart of our Graves:

• Château Cazebonne Graves Rouge embodies classic expression: a perfect balance of fruit, structure, and finesse, true to the appellation.
• Our single-vineyard cuvées, such as "Les Galets de Cazebonne" (from deep gravels) and "Les Astéries de Darche" (from clay-limestone soils), reveal the nuances of our micro-terroirs.
• The "Comme un goût de..." range, with cuvées such as our Malbec or Cabernet Sauvignon, highlights the pure expression of single grape varieties, producing fruit-forward, approachable wines.
• Lastly, the revival of forgotten grape varieties is particularly close to our hearts. Inspired by Jean-Baptiste Duquesne's writings in "Bordeaux, une histoire de cépages", we are committed to reviving lost treasures of the Bordeaux vineyard. Historic red varieties such as Mancin, Castets, Saint-Macaire, and Bouchalès have been replanted and vinified to offer novel flavours and another facet of the region’s wines, through exclusive, limited-production cuvées such as our 100% Mancin.

A historic and diverse terroir

The Graves vineyard area, stretching along the Left Bank of the Garonne, is the historic cradle of fine Bordeaux wines. Its very name, "Graves", describes the nature of its soils: gravelly hilltops composed of pebbles, gravel, and sand deposited over millennia by the river. These warm, free-draining soils are ideal for vine growing, fostering optimal grape ripening and imparting finesse and aromatic complexity to the wines. Deeper down, clay and iron-rich hardpan (*alios*) often provide valuable water reserves during dry spells.

Vintages that shape the wines

Every vintage in Graves is unique, reflecting the year's climatic conditions. The weather from spring to autumn directly influences the character of the red wines. A warm, sunny summer produces rich, powerful wines, whereas a cooler, wetter year may yield more elegant wines with pronounced acidity and fresh fruit aromas. Winegrowers adapt their vineyard and winemaking practices to make the most of each vintage, ensuring consistent quality while allowing the year's distinct character to shine through.

Vinification and ageing: the art of revealing terroir

At Château Cazebonne, red winemaking is a meticulous process that begins with hand harvesting to select only the finest bunches. Following destemming and sorting, alcoholic fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled vats to gently extract aromas, colour, and tannins. Regular pump-overs help achieve balance throughout. Ageing, mainly in oak barrels and vats, allows the wines to refine, soften their tannins, and develop aromatic complexity prior to bottling.

A varied tasting profile

Graves red wines are characterised by their remarkable balance. They generally display an intense garnet colour, complex red and black fruit aromas (blackcurrant, blackberry, raspberry), often interwoven with spicy notes (pepper, vanilla), tobacco, cedar and, with age, forest floor and leather. On the palate, they offer a fine, silky yet present tannic structure, pleasant freshness, and lingering aromatic persistence. Château Cazebonne wines, whether from classic blends or forgotten grape varieties, express this aromatic and structural richness of Graves, with a distinct identity in every cuvée.

Food and wine pairings: elevating the dining experience

Graves red wines are ideal companions for a wide variety of dishes. Their structure and complexity make them perfect alongside grilled or roasted red meats, such as an entrecôte bordelaise or Pauillac lamb. They also pair wonderfully with game, rich stews, and mature cheeses. Younger, fruit-forward cuvées match beautifully with poultry or charcuterie, while more mature, complex wines are best suited to refined dishes that highlight all their subtle nuances.

This replanting effort is born of a genuine passion for Bordeaux’s viticultural heritage and is made possible only through the unwavering support of the many wine lovers who have embraced our wines. Thanks to your trust, we can continue to innovate and preserve this precious heritage—discover new flavours via the downloadable book "Bordeaux, une histoire de cépages", test your knowledge with our wine quizzes, or explore our range of cuvées in the online shop for a great Graves wine.