Château Pape Clément

History

Château Pape Clément, located in Pessac Léognan, Bordeaux, has a rich history dating back to 1299 when Bertrand de Goth, appointed Archbishop of Bordeaux, acquired the vineyard known as "La Mothe." This was one of the first vineyards in France to implement vine alignment for soil ploughing. After Bertrand de Goth became Pope Clement V in 1306, the estate was given to his successor, Cardinal Arnaud de Canteloup, and renamed Château Pape Clément.

During the French Revolution, the château was nationalized and sold. In 1858, Jean-Baptiste Clerc purchased it and expanded the vineyard, improving wine production. However, the estate faced significant challenges in the 19th century, including vine diseases and devastating hail. Paul Montagne revitalized the estate in 1939, and his son, Léo Montagne, continued the improvements alongside Bernard Magrez, who became the owner in 1985. Under Magrez and consultant Michel Rolland, the château achieved significant quality improvements, culminating in a 100/100 rating from Robert Parker in 2009.

Terroir

The terroir of Château Pape Clément is characterized by a complex blend of gravel, clay, small rocks, and sandy soils. This terroir, located in the Pessac-Léognan appellation, was shaped by the Garonne river, which deposited gravel soils approximately one and a half million years ago. The vineyard's terroir is further divided into sections with different soil compositions: Merlot is planted in soils with more clay, while Cabernet Sauvignon is planted in gravelly soils. The eastern part of the vineyard contains significant clay deposits, which contribute to the unique terroir of Pape Clément. This diverse soil structure, combined with a cooler microclimate, supports the growth of various grape varieties, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot.