"This nectar, with its superb purplish hue, appears on the nose with great intensity. Red berries, morello cherry and spices such as clove and pepper combine to form a bewitching ensemble. On the palate, it expresses great power. Rich and well-balanced, it has perfectly integrated tannins that leave a velvety sensation on the tongue. The refined finish lingers for a long time." - Marie, Oenologist Premium Grands Crus - April 2024
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 reds, the Merlot grapes display an aromatic palette of Rare complexity and intensity, as well as great generosity, while the much smaller Cabernet Sauvignon grapes reveal their full brilliance, with a fine balance between richness and tension.
Winemaking
When it comes to red wines, the "au naturel" approach sounds like a declaration of authenticity. Indigenous yeasts impart a complexity and aromatic intensity that reveal the unique characteristics of each parcel. A delicate and regular Extraction gives the tannins robustness and silkiness, while preserving the intensity of the fruit. The combination of carefully selected barrels, foudres, cement and ceramic vats allows the wood to play the role of a showcase, without repressing the intrinsic personality of the wine.
So, for 2023, the red wines of Château Pape Clément are revealed as an authentic sensory experience, celebrating the perfect symbiosis of nature, terroir and savoir-faire.
Age of vines: 29 years
Soil type: Pyrenean clay gravel table dating from the late Pliocene and early Quaternary periods.
