Atlas de la France vinicole - Les vins de Bordeaux - Graves, Graves supérieurs, Cérons 1941

The 1941 original map by L. Larmat, titled "Atlas de la France vinicole – Les vins de Bordeaux: Graves, Graves Supérieurs, Cérons", is a significant contribution to the series that showcases France's most prestigious wine regions. Printed by Dorel in Paris, this map provides a meticulous depiction of the Graves region, along with the Graves Supérieurs and Cérons appellations. These areas are well-known within the Bordeaux wine region for their production of both red and white wines, with a particular emphasis on Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Published during the trying years of World War II, this map holds historical value, representing the enduring cultural and economic importance of French winemaking in a time of significant upheaval. Graves, located on the Left Bank of the Garonne River, is one of the oldest wine-producing regions in Bordeaux, famous for its well-drained gravelly soils (from which the region gets its name) that contribute to the distinctive character of its wines.

The Graves Supérieurs appellation, designated for sweet white wines, and the Cérons appellation, known for its sweet, botrytized wines, are both included on this map, providing a comprehensive overview of the region’s diversity. Larmat’s map elegantly illustrates the intricate network of vineyards, rivers, and terroirs that contribute to the production of some of the finest wines in Bordeaux. The Graves region is famous for producing both dry white wines and red wines, with the sweet wine appellations of Graves Supérieurs and Cérons being particularly notable for their dessert-style wines.

The Graves region, centered around the historic wine-producing commune of Pessac-Léognan, is home to some of the most prestigious estates in Bordeaux, including the world-renowned Château Haut-Brion, which was classified as a Premier Grand Cru in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification—the only estate outside the Médoc to be included in this prestigious ranking. The map clearly marks the boundaries of key estates, showcasing the intricate geography of the region, including its elevation, proximity to the Garonne River, and other key factors that define its unique terroir.

Larmat’s cartography is both functional and artistic, blending precision with aesthetic appeal. The map features a subtle color palette, using shades of green, yellow, and brown to distinguish between different appellations and vineyard areas. The geographic features of the Graves region, such as its gravelly soils, rolling hills, and proximity to the Garonne River, are all highlighted to give the viewer a deeper understanding of the environmental factors that influence the character of the wines.

One of the standout aspects of the Graves region is its ability to produce age-worthy red wines as well as crisp, aromatic white wines from grape varieties such as Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon. The dry white wines of Graves, often noted for their minerality and freshness, are highly regarded, and Larmat’s map provides an in-depth look at where these wines are produced. The Graves Supérieurs and Cérons appellations, marked on the map, highlight the regions where sweet, botrytized wines are crafted—wines that share a kinship with the famous Sauternes wines further south.

In addition to offering detailed information on the terroir and geography of the region, Larmat’s map also captures the historical significance of Graves in the broader context of Bordeaux’s winemaking history. The Graves region is often regarded as the birthplace of Bordeaux’s wine industry, with viticulture in the area dating back to Roman times. Larmat’s depiction of the region, therefore, is not only a useful tool for winemakers and wine enthusiasts but also a tribute to the centuries-old traditions that have shaped the identity of Bordeaux’s wines.

Printed by Dorel in Paris, this map is a fine example of early 20th-century French craftsmanship. Despite the challenges of the era, particularly those posed by the war, the quality of the printing and the detail of the cartography remain exceptional. The precise typography, careful shading, and rich detailing of vineyard locations and appellation boundaries make this map both a practical resource and a beautiful work of art. Collectors of Larmat’s Atlas often prize these maps not only for their historical importance but also for their aesthetic value.

The Graves Supérieurs and Cérons appellations, while lesser-known than some of the more famous Bordeaux regions, are celebrated for their sweet white wines, which are often made using grapes affected by noble rot (Botrytis cinerea). These wines are known for their complexity and depth, with rich flavors of honey, apricot, and citrus. Larmat’s map provides a clear guide to where these wines are produced, offering insight into the terroir that makes these wines so special.

This 1941 map of the Graves, Graves Supérieurs, and Cérons regions is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in the history of Bordeaux winemaking. It serves not only as a detailed guide to the region’s geography but also as a historical document that reflects the resilience and enduring importance of French viticulture during one of the most challenging periods in the country’s history. Larmat’s cartography, with its blend of art and science, continues to be highly regarded by collectors, wine historians, and enthusiasts alike.

The map’s combination of detailed geographical information and visual elegance makes it a prized addition to any collection, offering a snapshot of the Bordeaux wine region as it existed in the early 1940s. Today, it remains a valuable tool for understanding the nuances of the Graves region and the broader Bordeaux wine landscape, celebrating the rich heritage of one of France’s most important winemaking areas.

Original Poster

Alcohol - Map - Gironde - France

Dorel - Paris

Good condition, original folds