What is the Oldest Grand Crus in Bordeaux?
The answer: Chateau Pape Clement is one of the oldest grand crus in Bordeaux.
Revered as one of the oldest Grand Cru in Bordeaux, Chateau Pape Clement made its mark in the history books. Located in the Pessac region about outside of Bordeaux it has a rich history of wine growing and ties to a Pope. In 1254, the first vines. Today the Chateau has experienced over 700 harvests since the beginning.
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. 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. All guests have access to a rooftop viewing deck with sweeping views of the vineyards and sunrise.
I was on the heels of En Primeur 2018when 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 the winery. Our guide was not only well versed on history but entertaining as well. The tour segues into the tasting experience.
The tasting experience was a unique one. The first part of the tasting is pretty standard, with the wineries wines. 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.
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.
If you would like to visit extraordinary, world-class destinations like this contact Wine Paths Travel
