Château Pape Clément — The Timeless Spirit of Great Graves Wines

Château Pape Clément is one of the oldest and most prestigious estates in Bordeaux. Located in Pessac, within the Pessac-Léognan appellation, it belongs to the family of Graves Classified Growths and has embodied, for centuries, the alliance between deep history, gravel terroir and a constant pursuit of precision.

Its name comes from Bertrand de Goth, Archbishop of Bordeaux, who became Pope Clement V in 1305. According to historical sources, the first harvests on this terroir date back to the 13th century, making Pape Clément one of Bordeaux’s oldest documented vineyards. Today owned by Bernard Magrez, the château combines medieval heritage, precision viticulture and contemporary technology in the service of terroir expression.

Terroir: the ancient gravel soils of Pessac

The vineyard lies on ancient gravel rises, often described as Pyrenean gravel, combined with clay-limestone, sandy or gravelly subsoils depending on the parcel. This combination favours excellent drainage, good water regulation and steady ripening of the great Bordeaux grape varieties.

The vineyard is now generally presented at around 60 hectares, with the majority dedicated to red wines and a smaller share reserved for dry whites. The reds are based on Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The whites mainly combine Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon, sometimes complemented by Sauvignon Gris and Muscadelle depending on sources and vintages.

Viticulture: tradition, precision and innovation

Under the impetus of Bernard Magrez, Pape Clément has developed a highly precise approach to viticulture. Parcel-by-parcel work, rigorous grape selection, animal traction in certain areas, high-precision sorting and modern observation tools allow vineyard interventions to be adapted to each plot.

The château is also known for its use of precision technologies, including drone observation and, more recently, satellite imaging to anticipate water stress and the effects of climate change. These tools do not replace the winegrower’s craft: they refine it, in the service of more targeted viticulture.

Vinification and ageing

Vinification is carried out parcel by parcel, with very strict berry sorting to retain only the finest grapes. The reds are vinified with precision in order to preserve colour, structure, fruit and tannic finesse. The whites receive particular care, their balance resting on the aromatic intensity of Sauvignon, the texture of Sémillon and the mineral tension of the terroir.

Wine style

The style of Château Pape Clément Rouge is often marked by generous depth, velvety texture, ripe black fruits, noble smoky notes and a structure built for ageing. It is a broad and expressive Pessac-Léognan, yet the finest vintages retain fine mineral freshness.

Château Pape Clément Blanc ranks among the great dry white wines of Bordeaux. It combines aromatic intensity, textural richness, saline tension and great length. The finest vintages develop nuances of beeswax, fine honey, candied citrus, Graves smokiness and warm stone with age.

Emblematic cuvées

Benchmark vintages

Modern vintages such as 2000, 2005, 2009, 2010, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019 and 2020 are among the most sought-after years for the red wine, depending on taste and ageing profile. The white also stands out in great vintages for its aromatic richness and ageing potential.

Depending on the year, the reds can age for several decades, while the whites often reach great complexity after a few years in bottle. Enthusiasts particularly seek the balance between opulence, Graves freshness and precision ageing.