The property :
Located at the gates of Bordeaux, Château Pape Clément is one of the oldest wine-producing properties in the region since the first grape harvest took place in 1252. Chateau Pape Clément owes its name to Pope Clement V. Pope Clement V managed his vineyard with passion before donating it to the archbishop of Bordeaux. At that time, it was known as the "Vignes du Pape Clément". In 1983, Bernard Magrez, the tireless builder and composer of rare wines, bought the property. Bernard Magrez, who today owns 4 Grands Crus Classés in Bordeaux, used all his energy and determination to raise Château Pape Clément to the rank of the elite of Bordeaux Grands Crus. In 2009, Chateau Pape Clement was awarded a 100/100 rating by the American critic Robert Parker.
The vineyard :
Enjoying an exceptional terroir in the Pessac-Léognan appellation, the vineyard of Château Pape Clément covers 63 hectares of vines. The vines are planted on Pyrenean clay gravel soils. The vineyard is managed in a micro-parcel fashion. The estate of Château Pape Clément is certified High Environmental Value 3, EMS and Bee-Friendly.
Vinification :
Hand-picked grapes in small crates. First sorting in the vineyard. Manual de-stemming grain by grain and sorting on table. Putting in wooden vats of 30 to 70 hl by gravity. Pre-fermentation maceration at low temperature 8°C. Manual punching of the cap. Maceration period of 30 days. Direct run-off into French oak barrels and tuns by gravity. Malolactic fermentation in barrels (2/3 new and 1/3 from one wine).
Maturation :
Aged for 18 months in French oak barrels (90%) and tuns (10%).
Blend :
Cabernet Sauvignon (50%), Merlot (50%).