Pessac Leognan: Terroir, Wine Styles, 10 Best Bottles (2024)

by Anthony Zhang

Nestled in the heart of the Graves wine region, Pessac Leognan is a force to be reckoned with among Bordeaux appellations.

What styles of wines does Pessac Leognan produce? Which are the best bottles to buy in 2024?

This article explores the history, communes, terroir, and 10 exceptional wines of Pessac Leognan. Plus, we’ll also show you how to invest in these brilliant wines with ease.

A Quick Overview Of The Pessac Leognan Wine Region

The Pessac-Leognan AOC is located in the northern Graves region of Bordeaux - also called the ‘Cradle of the great wines of Bordeaux. It lies on the left bank of the Garonne River - just an hour’s drive from Pomerol.

The appellation produces almost 9 million bottles per year, 80% of which are red wines, while the remaining 20% are usually dry white wines.

The red wine grapes include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc, along with small plantings of Carmenere and Malbec.

The dominant white wine grape varietals are Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon, along with small plantings of Muscadelle and Sauvignon Gris.

Pessac Leognan is home to almost 75 chateaux and estates. The most prestigious amongst them are Chateau Haut Brion, La Mission Haut Brion, and Laville Haut-Brion.

The region also includes the oldest named winery of Bordeaux - Chateau Pape Clement.

Let’s see how it became one of the leading wine regions of France.

A Brief History Of Pessac Leognan

Bottles of Chateau Pape Clement of the Pessac Leognan appellation.

It’s believed that the Romans planted the first vines in the appellation around 2,000 years ago.

The region’s red wine (Claret) was loved by Englishmen during the English rule from 1152 to 1453.

In 1306, Pope Clement V founded the first named property of Bordeaux - Château Pape Clément.

Interestingly, Chateau Haut Brion that lies in this appellation (the first wine estate to export wine) was the only Bordeaux vineyard outside Medoc to be granted the Premiere Grand Cru (first growth) rank in the Classification of 1885.

By the 19th century, many winemakers sold their chateaux to developers because the land prices in this Bordeaux appellation shot up.

Since Pessac Leognan was a part of the Graves AOC, its small wine villages paled in comparison to the magnanimity of the Graves appellation.

The idea of having a separate appellation for Pessac Leognan was proposed by Andre Lurton, who owned many Chateaux in northern Graves including, Chateau La Louvière, in the 20th century.

In 1964, 60 Bordeaux chateaux formed the Syndicat Viticole under his leadership and by 1984, chateaux had started to place both Pessac-Leognan and Graves on their labels.

In 1987, Pessac Leognan was recognized as an official appellation separate from the Graves AOC.

Let’s take a look at the communes that comprise the Pessac Leognan AOC.

The Communes Of Pessac Leognan

The appellation has almost 1,700 hectares of vineyards and 10 communes.

These are the communes and some of the famous wineries:

Let’s now look at the famed, complex terroir of the Pessac Leognan appellation.

The Terroir Of Pessac Leognan

Pessac Leognan is a part of the Graves AOC.

The terroir of Pessac Leognan is a blend of unique microclimates, rich soil, and rolling hills.

The climate of the Pessac Leognan appellation is regulated by its elevation (ranging from 3m to 60m) and the beautiful Garonne river.

Given its proximity to the city of Bordeaux, the communes enjoy varying levels of temperature, which influences the ripening of grapes and how they are picked.

As a result, the harvest season for each commune is different. For example, the grapes from Tallence are picked earlier than those in the commune of Pessac.

The well-drained northern soil has large deposits of quartz, gravel, and pebbles typically, while the southern Pessac Leognan AOC has an abundance of white clay and limestone soils.

The appellation has almost 1,491 hectares of land under red wine cultivation, while 275 hectares of land are under white wine cultivation.

Wine Production Criteria in the Pessac Leognan Appellation

Cellar of Carmes Haut Brion in Pessac Leognan.

The wine production is regulated by standards set by the Pessac Leognan AOC.

For red wines the dominant grape varietal is Cabernet Sauvignon along with other blends of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Malbec, and Carmenère.
For white wine the main grape varieties are Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignon Gris, Sémillon, and Muscadelle.
The vineyard must have a minimum vine density of 6,500 vine/hectare.
The minimum sugar content for red wine is around 162 g/L, while for white wine, it's around 144 g/L.

Wine Styles Of Pessac Leognan

Pessac Leognan wines range from simple table wines to rich and elegant wines aged to perfection.

A. Red wine

Pessac Leognan red wine from Chateau Haut Brion.

Red wines of Pessac Leognan are made primarily from Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes.

They are full-bodied, tannic, and have enchanting aromas of resin, almonds, and ripe fruit.

What are the best food pairings with Pessac Leognan red wine?

You can pair your Pessac Leognan red wine with classic meat dishes, mushrooms, cheese, and grilled herbs.

A glass of red Pessac Leognan wine is best served at 59 - 62.6°F.

B. White Wine

Pessac Leognan Chateau Brion Sauvignon Blanc white wine.

Pessac Leognan white wines are primarily made from Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon grape varieties.

Pessac Leognan white wines have a rich and fruity bouquet of citrus, peach, honey, spice, and minerals. These wines are lively and refreshing with a pleasant finish.

What are the ideal food pairings with Pessac Leognan white wine?

This wine pairs best with hearty seafood like Tuna, grilled vegetables, cheese, and lighter meats.

Serve your Pessac Leognan white wine at 48.2 - 53.6° F.

Exceptional Pessac Leognan Wines To Buy in 2024

Here are some of the best wines from Pessac Leognan in 2024.

1. 1989 Chateau Haut-Brion Blanc, Pessac Leognan, France

The 1989 vintage from Chateau Haut-Brion is a gorgeous Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon blend that received a perfect 100 from Robert Parker.

This Cru Classe white wine has incredible floral and citrus aromas with a complex palate of grapefruit, honey, and minerals.

Price of 1989 Chateau Haut-Brion Blanc, Pessac Leognan, France: $2,704

2. 2010 Chateau La Mission Haut Brion Blanc, Pessac Leognan, France

The second wine on the list is the 2010 Chateau La Mission Haut Brion Blanc.

This white wine has copious aromas of grapefruit, passion fruit, and fresh pineapples with firm tannins and tangy acidity.

Price of 2010 Chateau La Mission Haut Brion Blanc, Pessac Leognan, France: $1,144

3. 1928 Chateau Haut-Bailly, Pessac Leognan, France

The 1928 red wine from Chateau Haut Bailly is a classic Bordeaux blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit verdot.

The palate has tasting notes of black fruit, cassis, and spices with a superb structure and smooth lingering finish - a great wine to pair with your steak.

Price of 1928 Chateau Haut-Bailly, Pessac Leognan, France: $1,068

4. 1947 Chateau Les Carmes Haut-Brion, Pessac Leognan, France

This savory red Bordeaux blend has an intoxicating nose of tobacco, cigar, cherries, and black fruit. It has an earthy palate of oak and spices with firm tannins, medium acidity, and a refreshing fruitiness.

Price of 1947 Chateau Les Carmes Haut-Brion, Pessac Leognan, France: $908

5. 1959 Chateau Pape Clement, Pessac-Leognan, France

The 1959 red Bordeaux wine from Chateau Pape Clement has a sweet nose of red berries, grapefruits, violets, and cassis. The palate is slightly acidic with supple tannin, which makes for a pleasant drinking experience.

Price of 1959 Chateau Pape Clement, Pessac Leognan, France: $802

6. 1999 Domaine de Chevalier Blanc, Pessac Leognan, France

This crisp white Bordeaux wine made from Sauvignon Blanc has tropical citrus notes of lemon and grapefruits with mild acidity.

This dry white wine has a distinct nutmeg, vanilla, and gooseberry flavor that ends with a spicy finish.

Price of 1999 Domaine de Chevalier Blanc, Pessac Leognan, France: $657

7. 1982 Chateau La Tour Haut-Brion, Pessac Leognan, France

The 1982 red Bordeaux blend is the second wine of Château La Tour Haut-Brion.

It has tasting notes of black currant, cherry, and smoky cedar. This red wine is a fully mature vintage with soft tannins and medium acidity.

This great wine got a 96 from Robert Parker and has a drinking window from 2017 to 2040.

Price of 1982 Château La Tour Haut-Brion, Pessac Leognan, France: $651

8. 2009 Chateau Pape Clement Blanc, Pessac Leognan, France

The 2009 vintage from Pape Clement is a gorgeous blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, Muscadelle and Sauvignon Gris. It has a gentle nose of smoke, honey, vanilla, and pineapple.

It has supple tannin and medium acidity that ends with an excellent finish.

Price of 2009 Chateau Pape Clement Blanc, Pessac-Leognan, France: $464

9. 1989 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion - Chateau Bahans Haut-Brion, Pessac Leognan, France

The second label from Chateau Haut Brion, the 1989 vintage of Le Clarence de Haut-Brion is an elegant Bordeaux blend. The bouquet has notes of blackfruit, cherries, cassis, and plum fruitiness.

The flavor on the palate is intense and earthy with notes of cedar, smoke, chocolate, oak, and spices.

Price of 1989 Le Clarence de Haut-Brion - Château Bahans Haut-Brion, Pessac Leognan, France: $370

10. 2009 Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte, Pessac Leognan, France

The 2009 vintage from Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte has an intense ruby color with earthy aromas of leather and smoke. The palate is well balanced with firm tannin and has intense notes of black fruit, graphite, tobacco, and spices.

This red wine has a drinking window between 2012 and 2052.

Price of 2009 Château Smith Haut Lafitte, Pessac Leognan, France: $295

Should You Invest In Pessac Leognan Wines?

Some spectacular Pessac Leognan wines like Domaine de Chevalier, Smith Haut Lafitte, and Chateau Haut Brion offer an excellent aging potential of over 50 years.

Pessac Leognan’s best vintages including 2018, 2017, 2016, 2012, 2010, 2009, 2008, and 2006 have left wine critics in awe.

The 2014 vintage from Château Haut-Brion Blanc scored 97 points from Robert Parker and was among the top 10 on the Liv-ex power brands in 2017.

The value of Pessac Leognan’s wines has been increasing steadily.

The 2001 Chateau La Mission Haut-Brion Blanc grew by 27% from $226 to $289 from December 2020 to May 2021. The price of the recent 2017 vintage from Chateau Haut Bailey grew 28% from $100 to $128 from June 2020 to May 2021.

But how can collectors with a nose for investment-worthy wines take advantage of the fine Pessac Leognan wines?

The best way to invest in fine wines from this region is through a trusted online wine investment company like Vinovest that will help you build an exceptional wine collection from the comforts of your home.

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Time To Add An Enticing Pessac Leognan To Your Collection!

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