Château Pape Clément 2012 - Pessac-Léognan - Graves Red

Château Pape Clément 2012 - Pessac-Léognan (Red)

History of the House: Château Pape Clément

Château Pape Clément is one of the oldest wine estates in Bordeaux, with origins dating back to 1252. Located in the heart of the Pessac-Léognan appellation, it is named after its historic owner, Bertrand de Goth, who became Pope Clement V in 1305. Since then, the estate has continued to shine, producing wines of great finesse and structure, the fruit of several centuries of winemaking know-how. Today, under the management of Bernard Magrez, Château Pape Clément continues to embody the excellence of Graves wines, combining tradition and innovation.

Presentation of the Cuvée: Château Pape Clément Red

This Grand Cru Classé de Graves is produced with precision worthy of a goldsmith's work. The red cuvée of Château Pape Clément is distinguished by its aromatic complexity, its balance and its ability to age admirably. It reflects the unique terroir of gravel and clay-limestone soils which give the wines an unrivaled elegance and depth.

Presentation of the 2012 Vintage in the Pessac-Léognan Appellation

2012 is a very balanced vintage in Bordeaux, marked by capricious weather but made up for by a beautiful summer and an ideal end to the season for the ripening of the grapes. In the Pessac-Léognan appellation, the 2012 reds stand out for their freshness, their bright fruitiness and perfectly integrated tannins. The best estates, such as Château Pape Clément, have been able to produce wines of remarkable precision, promising long aging potential.

Details and Specificity of this Cuvée in the 2012 Vintage

• Blend: 44% Merlot, 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Petit Verdot, 1% Cabernet Franc
• Terroir: Deep gravel and clay-limestone.
• Vinification and aging: Manual harvest with rigorous sorting of the grapes. Fermentation in wooden vats, followed by aging for 18 months in new barrels (80%).
• Alcohol content: 13.5%.
• Tasting notes:
  • Color: Deep garnet red with purple highlights.
  • Nose: Powerful and complex, combining notes of ripe black fruits (blackcurrant, blackberries), sweet spices (vanilla, liquorice) and a subtle touch of smoke.
  • Palate: Full-bodied and structured, with silky tannins and well-integrated acidity. Persistent finish with notes of cocoa and graphite.
• Condition of the bottle: Perfect condition of conservation, impeccable label, impeccable level and color.

Food and Wine Pairings

Ideal to accompany refined dishes such as a fillet of beef rossini, a roast lamb from Pauillac, or a platter of matured hard cheeses such as Comté 36 months. This wine can also pair magnificently with dishes in sauce based on truffles or mushrooms.