This is the only book that covers the history and current production of the prestigious estates of Bordeaux's Graves region. This beautiful and informative book reveals both the history and the distinctive characteristics of the 16 wines that comprise the Crus Classes (classified growths) of Bordeaux's Graves region. Named for the area's gravelly soil, Graves is known for its fine reds (primarily Cabernet Sauvignon) and whites (Sauvignon blanc and Semillon). With individual chapters on each of the chateaux, including Haut-Brion, Bouscaut, Olivier, Pape Clement, Smith Haut Lafitte, Domaine de Chevalier and 10 others, the book describes in detail the history of the estate and its wine production. Gorgeous photographs of the vineyards, the residences and the surrounding countryside are accompanied by archival material that gives a sense of the great history of this area. As an added bonus, "The Heart of Bordeaux" features recipes created by some of the world's great chefs - Daniel Boulud, Pierre Gagnaire and Eric Ripert among them - to complement one of the fine wines of Graves' classified growths.