Château Pape Clément is one of the oldest Grands Crus of Bordeaux. Its vineyards were planted in the 13th century by Bertrand de Goth. Archbishop of Bordeaux, he became Pope in 1305, under the name of Clement V. The Château is named after him. This Domaine has been producing wine on the same land since 1252.
The harvest
The harvest began on August 23 with our Sauvignon Gris and ended on October 3 with our last Cabernet Sauvignon, after 29 days of painstaking work - a record length for Château Pape Clément!
With ripening dynamics varying widely from one plot to the next, it was essential this year to stagger the harvest so that all the grapes could gradually reach optimum ripeness. The decision to hand-pick each vine in several selections reflects our absolute commitment to excellence.
2023, a demanding vintage, where tenacity, adaptability and patience once again combine to produce a great vintage at Château Pape Clément!
In the white, our cool, clay terroir enabled us to pRéserver our grapes from the very hot conditions at the end of ripening, preserving the subtle aromas and tension of the Sauvignon, and allowing the Semillon to fully express its unrivalled velvety texture.
Vinification
Early but perfectly ripe, our white grapes are harvested at a quality Rare second to none. Gentle, fully inert pressing allows the musts to pRéserver their full purity and balance. They offer a smooth, minimalist fermentation in terms of intervention. Each plot and press fraction, vinified separately using barrels, foudres, concrete and ceramic eggs of various shapes and sizes, creates a unique canvas.
This diversity of choice, in terms of both quality and style, offers an infinite palette of blends. It allows us to create singular and fascinating white wines, worthy of the prestigious Château Pape Clément.
Age of vines: 23 years
Soil type: Pyrenean clay gravel table dating from the late Pliocene and early Quaternary periods.
