Marks and reviews
Description
The estate
Located at the gates of Bordeaux, Chateau Pape Clement is one of the oldest wine-growing properties in the region, with a first harvest that took place in 1252. Chateau Pape Clement owes its name to Pope Clement V, who managed the vineyard before giving it to the Archbishop of Bordeaux. The vineyard is therefore sometimes nicknamed "Pope Clement's Vines". In 1983, Bernard Magrez, a tireless builder and composer of rare wines, purchased the property. Bernard Magrez, who now owns 4 Grands Crus Classes in Bordeaux, invested all of his energy and passion, elevating Chateau Pape Clement to the highest level of Bordeaux Grands Crus. In 2009, Chateau Pape Clement was rewarded for its quality by a 100/100 score from American critic Robert Parker.
The vineyard
Boasting an exceptional terroir in the Pessac-Leognan appellation, the Chateau Pape Clement vineyard covers 63 hectares of vines. The vines are planted in soils of Pyrenean gravelly clay. The vineyard is managed on a micro-plot basis. The Chateau Pape Clement estate is certified for High Environmental Value 3, SME and even holds a Bee-Friendly certification.
The winemaking
Harvest from August 30 to September 12. Fully manual filling of the pneumatic press. Pressing in whole bunches with very slow pressure build-up in an inert atmosphere for flavor protection. Gravity flow of the juices from the press into barrels. Settling and vinification in French oak barrels and casks. 15% of the wine vinified in new generation egg-shaped cement vats. Aging on fine lees and regular stirring.
The aging
Aging on lees, bottling in June 2020.
The blend
Sauvignon blanc
(90%), sémillon (10%).