Yes, you're right, because the name says it all: this vineyard belonged to a pope, Clement V to be precise - and that was at the beginning of the 14th century. The relocation of the papal seat to Avignon and Clement's vinophile commitment there still brings us top wines from Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas and Beaumes-de-Venise today. But that's another story.
Back to Bordeaux. The château belongs to the Pessac-Léognan appellation and is located in the Graves wine-growing region. It was initially called "Domaine de la Mothe" and was owned by the church until the Revolution. It became one of the most important wine estates in the region in the 19th century under the management of Jean-Baptiste Clerc.
Today, the château is managed by Bernard Magrez, a bustling entrepreneur who not only owns the other estates Château La Tour Carnet (Médoc), Château Fombrauge (Saint Émilion) and Clos Haut Peyraguey (Sauternes), but also has at least an interest in around 40 other wine estates internationally.
Pape Clément is regarded as the flagship within the Magrez Group and has undergone many investments in the past. the new fermentation cellar was opened in 2003, followed by the renovation of the prestigious ageing cellar in 2007. Meticulous work is carried out in the vineyard and cellar, mainly by hand, but also using the latest technology, terracotta fermentation vats and natural yeasts. Scientific studies (including on viticulture in a changing climate) accompany this and other wineries.
The vineyards cover 60 hectares. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit as well as Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignon Gris, Sémillon and Muscadelle ripen on one of the oldest alluvial terraces, the so-called "Pyrenean gravel layer".
The 2009 white wine Château Pape Clément received a legendary 100 Parker points. The red wine from the following vintage achieved the same spectacular result.
photos: ChâteauPape Clément
