Le Clémentin de Pape Clément 2019

A fine white wine from Pessac-Léognan by Château Pape-Clément

The estate
Located at the gates of Bordeaux, Château Pape Clément is one of the oldest wine-growing properties in the region, with a first harvest that took place in 1252. Château Pape Clément owes its name to Pope Clément 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 Classés in Bordeaux, invested all of his energy and passion, elevating Château Pape Clément to the highest level of Bordeaux Grands Crus. In 2009, Château Pape Clément was rewarded for its quality by a 100/100 score from American critic Robert Parker.

The vineyard
Boasting an exceptional terroir in the Pessac-Léognan appellation, the Château Pape Clément 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 Château Pape Clément 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 flavour 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. Ageing on fine lees and regular stirring.

The ageing

Ageing on lees, bottling in June 2020.

The blend
Sauvignon blanc
(90%), sémillon (10%).