Chateau Pavie 1977 - Saint-Emilion

Château Pavie 1977 - Saint-Émilion - Grand Cru Classé A

Appellation: Saint-Émilion Grand Cru
Classification: Premier Grand Cru Classé B (since 1954, before its promotion to A in 2012)
Owner: Valette family (before acquisition by Gérard Perse in 1998)

History of Château Pavie

Château Pavie is one of the flagship properties of Saint-Émilion, with a history dating back to Gallo-Roman times. Its name evokes the peach trees ("pavies") that grew on this unique terroir before the cultivation of vines. With its 37 hectares in one piece, Pavie benefits from a mosaic of soils, ranging from the limestone of the plateau to the clay of the slopes, and ideal exposures promoting optimal maturity of the grapes.

In 1998, the estate was taken over by Gérard Perse, who undertook major transformations to raise Pavie to the top of Bordeaux vintages. However, earlier vintages, such as the 1977, bear witness to the authenticity and classic style of Saint-Émilion.

Presentation of the great wine of Château Pavie

Château Pavie is a powerful, structured and elegant wine. It is distinguished by its aromatic richness, concentration and ageing capacity. The meticulous vinification and aging in new barrels (70%-100%) contribute to the development of an intense and refined wine, highlighting the typicality of Merlot, the main grape variety in the blend.

Presentation of the "1977" vintage

The 1977 vintage was marked by difficult climatic conditions in Bordeaux, including frequent rain and a cool summer. This resulted in wines that were often lighter and more accessible. Despite these challenges, some estates, including Château Pavie, were able to produce elegant and pleasant wines, demonstrating their expertise and the resilience of their terroirs.

This 1977 bottle is rare and represents a unique opportunity to discover a vintage from an era when traditional winemaking prevailed.

Presentation and specificity of the vintage:

• Terroir: Limestone soils on the plateau and clay-limestone on the slopes.
• Grape varieties: Mainly Merlot, with Cabernet Franc and a little Cabernet Sauvignon.
• Vinification: Vinified in concrete vats and aged in oak barrels.

Bottle condition:

• Bottle in excellent condition, cap slightly torn.
• Label slightly patinated by time.
• Clear and bright color, indicating excellent conservation.

Tasting:
The 1977 wines, and in particular Pavie, surprise with their charm and aromatic evolution:

• Nose: Tertiary aromas of undergrowth, truffle, leather, and nuances of dried fruits (plum, fig).
• Palate: Light but balanced structure, supple tannins, still fresh acidity. Elegant and persistent finish, marked by notes of blond tobacco and cocoa.

Food and wine pairing

A wine like Pavie 1977 will pair ideally with refined dishes with evolved flavors:

• Roast venison with red fruits.
• Hare stew.
• Platter of matured cheeses (old Comté, Livarot, or Cantal in between).