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.
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.
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.
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!
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
Bouchaine Winery is the spot to discover great Burgundian varieties made in Napa Valley’s Carneros region. Modern winery meets social hour. Bouchaine Vineyards tasting room
Somm Foundation Receives $25,000 in Support Pouring of Chateau Montelena’s stunning 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Over 200 people descended on Napa Valley’s Meritage Resort & Spa
Sojourn to the apex of Napa Valley with Theorem Vineyards. Adventuring up to Calistoga offers a wide array of wine riches including some boutique & family-owned small lot wineries.
Fantastic organic alert! Nothing like sunsets and delicious French Rosé from Bandol shared with ones favorite furry friend. Loved this epic bottle!
The 2020 Bandol Rosé is by Domaine Ray-Jane . Bandol is one of Provence’s most famous wine regions. It is located west of Toulon and covers eight communes. Coastal influences this region and its proximity to Marseille & Cassis.
The Bandol AOC requires at least 50% of Mourvèdre grape, with the late harvest grape being perfectly suited to this warm seaside climate.
The Constant Family has been working this property for 30 generations, since 1288.
One third of 100 year old vines thrive on 30 hectares of both limestone & clay soil with terraces built on stone. Primarily Mourvèdre the communes of the domaine include Castellet, Bandol, Sanary sur mer, La Cadière and Le Beausset.
I highly recommend grabbing a bottle if you can find it!
Ray-Jane.fr
Remember, #organic is not enough to save our planet. Ask your favorite producers to : To reduce energy & water usage as well as implementing the reduction of GHG emissions & a winery’s carbon footprint. These are two of the important hallmarks of saving our planet. See @napagreen for more information!
#TheWineSiren
#KellyMitchell
Listen. To the sound. Of the planet.
🌚While we all know what’s happening the demise that we are facing head-on is completely avoidable. It all starts with you & me.
🤩In the wine arena those who imbibe have great power. Take your purchasing power to those who are doing the most to move our planet forward & away from the demise of climate change.
It begins with a clear understanding of the meanings behind some viticulture (wine growing practices).
🌝Biodynamic - it is an “ethical” holistic & ecological approach to growing. A solid approach, but not a comprehensive approach to what needs to be done, to grow in a way that will stop our sharp decline.
🌝Biodynamic certification is viable, but is only part of the approach needed to address the urgent concerns of our global community.
🌝Organic, soil has to be free of pesticides at least three years before becoming certified. Again it is a partial play in the grand scheme of things.
🌝🤩🌝This is where Napa’s Superstars in climate change thrive and drive the efforts of planetary good. @NapaGreen is the most comprehensive approach to the well being of our planet.
🌝Comprehensive, astute, well directed & monitored action…. See slide 5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
🌝The opportunity: Napa Green is a certification is just one of 4 nationwide sustainable programs that offer a comprehensive approach from dirt to bottle certification guiding both the vineyard and hospitality practices of a winery. Reducing energy & water usage as well as the reduction of GHG emissions & a winery’s carbon footprint are two of the important hallmarks of this certification
For more: NapaGreen.com See a full list of participating wineries n learn more about the program.
🌝Remember who you support & what they’re doing about climate change is the most important decision!
🌝Featured 4 of the Herbicide n Neoniconitoid Free: @SpottswoodeEstate @OpusOne @RaymondVineyards @DominusEstate @ClifFamily @TresSabores
Comment below to support efforts to CURB CLIMATE CHANGE & FOLLOW @NapaGreen. Tell producers they need to get certified, support those making a difference in#ClimateCHANGE
The best is yet to come! But such a stellar opening party for @liveinthevineyard at @nickelandnickelwinery . Great music by @tenilletownes opening act, @mattstell and the crowd really went wild when @olddominionmusic took the stage (see slide 10).
So fantastic to be back in the swing of things!
Looking forward to @dariusrucker ‘s performance @roundpondestate today. Stay tuned!
#LiveInTheVineyard #TheWineSiren #NapaValley #WineCountry #CountryMusic #NapaCru
Exceptional Pinot Noir
As we prepare to breeze back into the holiday season, I’ve started culling the wine that has truly exceptional impact on meals. After all wine is not just for drinking. It’s for creating beautiful experiences, meals and memories. To achieve this I choose the 2019 Bucher Vineyards Merry Edwards Pinot Noir.
Not only is this beauty highly rated it holds everything you want in a holiday season wine. Versatility, appeal, bright rich flavors known to the Sonoma Coast.
What is the difference between a good Pinot Noir and a great Pinot Noir? The latter leaves an indelible imprint on the experience. The Bucher Vineyards Merry Edwards Pinot Noir exceeds expectation.
On the nose, The classic notes of the forest, mushrooms, forest floor and an earthiness and minerality that speaks to the voluminous tannins. Lush, pronounced and barely tamed by the generous black fruit that stands as the signature of this unique wine.
Paired with roasted free range chicken and a hearty bowl of red curried lentils this wine is perfect for your holiday table.
The tannins make this a great one for cellaring as well. You’ll enjoy tasting this beauty for years to come as it evolves.
$63 and worth every cent. Winemaker Heidi von der Mehden.
MerryEdwards.com
#wine
Simplicity.
Withering grapes lead to a high concentration of sugars. In Italy it is known as apassimento. While drying, concentration of several aspects of the wine evolves. From increasing the sugar to the alcohol, this process also develops more intense flavors.
The objective is to reduce the chances of botrytis cinerea aka noble rot.
Grapes undergo a drying process of several weeks to as much as half a year. Only after this process are they fermented. The fermentation process can be weeks or years.
Finally, sediment is removed and then ages for several years in barrel or tank before it is bottled.
Here one of my favorite producers of Passito, @donnafugatawine and their loveky Ben Rye. Rich in color, well balanced in taste. Perfect for sipping before a fire...
#TheWineSiren
#WineEducation
#passito
#wine
Learn about new products, wine travel tips and the latest on wine, food and fab.
