Château Pape Clément 2021

A fresh and complex white wine from Pessac-Léognan

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 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 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

Château Pape Clément produces Pessac-Léognan wines from an 18-hectare vineyard. The vines are 23 years old on average and 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 vintage

A warm, wet winter gave way to a cool, rainy spring marked by frost. The summer is cool and humid.

Vinification and ageing

First sorting in the vineyard. Following the filling of the fully manual pneumatic press, whole-berry pressing was carried out with a slow and gradual increase in pressure in an inert environment to protect the aromas. The juice was run off from the press into barrels by gravity. Vinification was carried out in French oak barriques and foudres, as well as the ageing, which took place with a regular stirring of the lees.

The blend

Château Pape Clément 2021 white wine comprises a blend of Sauvignon Blanc (70%) and Semillon (30%).