The estate

Located on the gates of Bordeaux, Château Pape Clement is one of the oldest wine estates in the region, with the first grapes harvested in 1252. Château Pape Clément owes its name to Pope Clement V, who managed his vineyard with passion before donating it to the Archbishop of Bordeaux. It was then known as the "Vignes du Pape Clément." In 1983, Bernard Magrez, the tireless creator of rare wines, bought the estate. Bernard Magrez, who now owns 4 Grand Cru Classés in Bordeaux, has devoted all his energy and determination to raising Château Pape Clément to the rank of Bordeaux's elite Grand Crus. In 2009, the American wine critic Robert Parker awarded Château Pape Clément a score of 100/100.

The vineyard

Château Pape Clément 2016 is a Pessac-Léognan wine from a 73-hectare vineyard. The vines are 28 years old on average and are planted on Pyrenean clay gravel soils. The vineyard is managed on a micro-parcel basis. Château Pape Clément is certified High Environmental Value 3, EMS and Bee-Friendly.

The vintage

A mild and wet winter precedes a cool spring marked by high rainfall. If these conditions delay the development of the vine, the flowering is miraculous thanks to a few quite warm and sunny days. From June 20th, a hot and particularly dry summer sets in, leading to a significant water deficit. The rains of September 13th are salvific and, with the help of a strong thermal amplitude, ensure optimal ripening of the berries until the harvest.

Winemaking and ageing

Manual harvesting is carried out on a plot-by-plot basis in crates, with a first sorting in the vineyard. Following manual destemming and a second sorting on the table, the berries are gravity-fed into wooden vats of 30 to 70 hl. Pre-fermentation maceration at low temperature. Manual punch-downs accompany the maceration lasting 30 to 40 days to refine the extraction. Direct racking into French oak barrels by gravity. Malolactic fermentation is carried out in barrels, as is the 18-month aging.

Blend

Château Pape Clément rouge 2016 is a blend of Merlot (50%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (50%).

Serve in Bordeaux glasses at a serving temperature between 16° – 18°C