An enclave near Libourne
Graves de Vayres forms a small enclave within the Entre-deux-Mers, across the communes of Vayres and Arveyres, on the banks of the Dordogne, very close to Libourne. Its name is misleading: it does not refer to the Graves region south of Bordeaux, but rather to the nature of its local soil.
The terroir: gravel and boulbènes
The appellation owes its name to its 'graves' (gravel): alluvial and colluvial soils of sandy clay mixed with gravel and pebbles. Alongside these are 'boulbènes', fine, light silty soils typical of the Bordeaux region. It is these boulbènes that lend the wines a delicate character and fine finesse.
The style of the wines
In red, merlot dominates, producing supple, fruity, easy-drinking wines, supported by the cabernets. In white, sémillon and sauvignon compose delicate wines with a floral, fresh bouquet, carried by the lightness of the boulbènes. A discreet appellation that favours finesse over power.