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Chateau Pape Clement: Bordeaux & It’s Oldest Grand Crus!

August 29, 2019 No Comments
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Chateau Pape Clement: Bordeaux & It’s Oldest Grand Crus!

Chateau Pape Clement is rich in the history of Bordeaux and the history of France. But could they be one of the oldest Cru?

Chateau Pape Clement is indeed one of the oldest grand crus in Bordeaux, located on one of the most beautiful estates in Bordeaux.

Revered as one of the oldest Grand Cru in Bordeaux, Chateau Pape Clement made its mark in the history books on several occasions. Located in the Pessac region about outside of Bordeaux, Pape Clement has a long history of wine growing and direct ties to a Pope. In 1254, the first vines were planted.  Since then the Chateau has experienced well over 700 harvests.  It is rooted in tradition and very much the fabric of Bordeaux. 

This illustrious Château and castle’s owner was Raymond Bertrand de Got. Voted in by the cardinals he would become Clement V in 1305. In 1306 he choose his papal residence in Avignon and gifted his Chateau to his brother.

Golden Chandeliers shaped like crowns line the ceiling of the barrel room e
Golden Chandeliers shaped like crowns line the ceiling of the barrel room at Pape Clement

Château Pape Clement sits on 60 hectares of vine and is one of 16 Grand Cru Classes in the Graves region. It’s also part of the Pessac-Léognan Appellation created in 1987. It has been in the capable hands of Bernard Magrez since the 1980’s.

This is luxury in it’s prime. Elegant, historic abode in a world-class destination Pape Clement is luxury at its finest. The service and appointments are first class. It houses five stunning suites. There is an ever so slight nuance of sandalwood that follows you through the castle. Inside there are writings from popes careful contained. Art lines the walls in every room. From modern pieces to historical pieces, the history of this Chateau is everywhere. The winery is next to landscaped gardens and you may even see their draft horses working the land.

The Chateau from the front. Stunning green grounds and a freedom tree.
The Chateau from the front. Stunning green grounds and a freedom tree.

A chapel holds bottles of wine aging undisturbed in peace underneath the Chateau. This private viewing area is a treasure trove of magnificent bottles long hidden away. All guests have access to a rooftop viewing deck with sweeping views of the vineyards and sunrise. Not to mention the outstanding breakfasts fit for a king or a pope.

Liquid gold. Sauternes by Bernard Magrez and it looks like real gold.
Sauternes that swept my off my feet.

I was on the heels of En Primeur 2018 when I entered Pape Clement for my weekend visit. En Primeur is a wine event devoted to the early release of wines recently bottled. In this case the 2018 vintage. This is an opportunity for those in the wine trade to taste vintage well before release.

One of the experiences offered here is a tasting & tour of the winery and the grounds. The walking tour includes several highlights of its history and a tour of Pape Clement’s winery. Our guide was not only well versed in the history of this magnificent estate but entertaining as well. The tour segued directly into the tasting experience.

The tasting experience was a unique one. The first part of the tasting at Pape Clement is pretty standard.  You sip a few whites, reds and perhaps a rosé. Listen to the tasting guide share notes and ask questions of the group.  The second part was a game-changer. Black glasses placed before us, this was going to be a blind tasting. Not only that but with music. It was a true sensory experience. The results? Surprising! Four different types of music and each with a different impact on the tasting. A profound impact. Kudos Pape Clement!

A peek at the oh so ancient vineyard of Pape Clement

As the experience wrapped up, I was almost reluctant to go. But then I remembered I was in a stunning suite on the property and happy to get back to my temporary home.

Want to visit more Chateau in Bordeaux?

If you would like to visit extraordinary, world-class destinations like Pape Clement contact Wine Paths Travel

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A Tale of Two Continents: Bordeaux Château Malartic-Lagraviére

August 18, 2019 No Comments
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A Tale of Two Continents: Bordeaux Château Malartic-Lagraviére

The Famed Bordeaux Château Malartic-Lagravière

A Bordeaux Château encouraging you to visit! Looking for one of the most diverse Bordeaux tastings?  You’ll find it at Château Malartic-Lagravière. 

 Truly one of the most diverse tastings in Bordeaux I’ve had to date.  Not only was I sipping one of the top Bordeaux Château, but I was also sipping wines made by a family that crosses into South America as well.  Specifically Argentina. It is a rare experience to taste two continents in one maker’s location, particularly in Bordeaux. The owners of this Bordeaux Château are the Bonnie Family. Looking for one of the most diverse Bordeaux tastings?  You’ll find it at Château Malartic-Lagravière.  Truly one of the most diverse tastings in Bordeaux I’ve had to date.  Not only was I sipping one of the top Bordeaux Château, but I was also sipping wines made by a family that crosses into South America as well.  Specifically Argentina. It is a rare experience to taste two continents in one maker’s location, particularly in Bordeaux. The owners of this Bordeaux Château are the Bonnie Family.

Red and white wines from Chateau Malartic-LeGraviere & Diamandes in Argentina
The tastes of the Bonnie Family and Chateau Malartic-LeGraviere & Diamandes

It was known as Domaine de Lagravière before the French Revolution.  Château Malartic-Lagravière is located in Bordeaux in the appellation of Pessac-Léognan.  This is part of Bordeaux’s northern Graves region. Graves has the rare distinction in Bordeaux of being ranked for both red and white wine in the Crus Classés in the Classification of Graves in both 1953 and 1959.

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Just south of downtown Bordeaux, Chateau Malartic-LeGravière

Château Malartic-LaGravière has a rich history in winemaking. Beginning with its birth sometime in the late 18th century.  A storied history, and a famed namesake. Malartic is named for the Count Hippolyte de Maurès de Malartic. He was Admiral who served under the Kings of France. As the property changed hands, each owner improved the wine and the winery.

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Severine Bonnie, of the Bonnie family in the cellar.

When the Bonnie family first entered the wine industry with Château Malartic-Lagravière. No one could guess that they would begin another adventure in Mendoza, Argentina. By bringing their Bordeaux know-how to another continent they applied their experience to their latest creation Diamandes in Uco Valley.The respect they have for wine growing served their Mendoza wine venture well now blending a beautiful Malbec with the traditions of Bordeaux’s Cabernet Sauvignon.

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Old vines amongst the gravelly soil of the Château

The Bonnie family acquired the property in 1996 and have ensured they are preserving brand integrity while constantly working to improve both the vineyards and the wine. Their state of the art facility at their Bordeaux Château is a study in technical progress.

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State of the art facility, in the fermentation room.
The barrel room of Chateau Malartic Le Graviere
The Barrel Room

It’s remarkable estate and breathtaking vineyards are available to visit. Simply contact Wine Paths Travel for this historical adventure in world-class wine.

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Champagne Only Comes From Champagne ~ Champagne Gosset

May 11, 2017 4 Comments

A Day in Champagne, with Champagne Gosset

{Video} Interviews Below

A day in Champagne, France with Champagne Gosset
A lunch paired entirely with champagne.

Sometimes wishes do come true. In a wine oriented mind, it might be the bottle of your dreams. A visit to a place you’ve never been but can only imagine. The history of a region emblazoned in your memory from books and photos. As it reveals itself to you in real life, wide-eyed wonderment and childlike excitement take over. Eyes glued to every inch of your experience. Savoring each sip, taste, feeling and trying to memorize all of it.

This is my inaugural visit to Champagne. The 2nd time in France. The thrill of heading to Champagne after an evening in Paris is an intense and brilliant blur because the journey is happening so fast. The land is legendary, the quotes innumerable. From Napoleon Bonaparte to Coco Chanel, Champagne as a destination and as a celebratory spirit has captured Champagne Gosset in Epernay is owned by the Cointreau Familythe imagination of many.

We are one of only two Champagne Houses that have been labeled by the French government for their excellence and know how.  Only two. Bollinger and Gosset.  ~ Jean-Pierre Cointreau

This stop is a landmark arrival. I am spending the day at Champagne Gosset. Established in 1584, this is the very first in Champagne.  A family-owned Champagne House rich in tradition and the oldest, the most revered, the grandfather of all other champagne houses.  In the days of its inception, Gosset was involved in making still wine.

Champagne has to be shared.

Pouring the tasting at Champagne Gosset
Pouring the tasting at Champagne Gosset

What you should know about Champagne. There are three key towns in the region. Épernay, Reims, and Aÿ. The soils primarily chalk.  There is often a lack of ripeness of the grapes lending them to impart a deliciously acidic trait to the Champagne. The grapes planted are primarily Petit Meunier, Pinot Noir (Cote de Noir) and Chardonnay (Cotes de Blanc).

We want to ensure a consistent quality of the cuvées in the market.

There are many big houses of Champagne in the region producing 70+ million bottles a year. Not Gosset. This artisanal brand sticks to doing things by hand, including riddling and disgorgement.  They produce just 1 million bottles a year.  With the exception of the Brut Excellence Champagne, they do not do malolactic fermentation.  The champagne, therefore, retains the characteristics of the fruit far longer and the roundness of the finish.Champagne Gosset on The Wine Siren by Kelly Mitchell This also makes it possible for you to continue to age for a huge amount of time in your own cellar. A delicious benefit.  Preferring a longer time on the lees, and still longer (8-15 years) for the vintage and non-vintage champagnes. They have nearly seven years of stock in the two cellars, one in Aÿ and one in Epernay.

It is known, the oldest vines give the best wine.

The average time for aging Champagne is 2.5 years.  Gosset takes great pride in aging their champagne for 8-15 years with the exception of the Brut Excellence which is 4 years. Still far longer than the others. This house is a family owned house having recently (in terms of history) been acquired by the Cointreau family. Jean-Pierre Cointreau is at the helm of the day to day operations as the CEO.

VIDEO: Interview with Jean-Pierre Cointreau, CEO of Champagne Gosset

 

One of the many highlights of the day is sitting down to an entire lunch paired with many of the vintages and cuvée of Champagne Gosset along with a tour of their intricate caves.

Created in the 1800’s is the signature bottle and design of Champagne Gosset. So unique is the design of the bottle and representative of their artisanal brand, they carry a patent on the bottle itself. The label comes in a full range of bright colors representing the type of cuvée inside. The label is purposely placed high on the bottle so it is visible from the ice bucket.

Riddling rack in the caves at Epernay
Riddling in the rack

I spoke to Gosset’s winemaker/Chef de cave, about the process in depth and the differences in making mass produced wine versus handcrafted wines that took more time.  His response was, “We focus on making a great taste first. Not the bubbles.”  You can be sure the bubbles are there, with the brilliant acidity and the layered complexity you’d expect from a French champagne. To preserve a craft that results in a premium champagne, a tradition that’s been maintained for four centuries you do whatever it takes to maintain your quality.

{VIDEO} Interview with Chef de cave, Odilon de Varin of Champagne Gosset