Wines Pessac-Léognan Château Pape Clément - 2017

Château Pape Clément 2017, a prestigious red from the illustrious Pessac-Léognan appellation in Bordeaux, is a wine that truly reflects its noble heritage. Crafted predominantly from Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, with touches of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot depending on the year’s balance, the 2017 vintage reveals a remarkable finesse despite the challenging spring frosts that year. Vinified with meticulous care, grapes are picked at full maturity and fermented in temperature-controlled vats, before maturing in high-quality oak barrels—often up to 18 months. The wine presents a harmonious bouquet of ripe dark berries, cassis, black cherry, subtle violet notes, and a gentle smokiness, intricately woven with hints of graphite and sweet spice, owing to the deft use of oak. On the palate, it is structured yet fresh, with silky tannins and a long, persistent finish.

The Pessac-Léognan subregion, embedded in Graves south of Bordeaux city, is revered for its gravelly soils—hence “Graves”—which impart a distinctive mineral elegance and finesse to the wines. The region’s temperate Atlantic climate, moderated by forest and river, ensures steady ripening, while the complex soils of clay, sand and gravel provide ideal drainage and heat retention, essential for Cabernet’s optimal expression. With a history dating back to the Middle Ages, Pessac-Léognan is the birthplace of some of Bordeaux’s greatest estates, and Château Pape Clément, founded in 1300, stands as one of the oldest Grand Crus in the region, with a legacy of producing wines of remarkable depth and longevity.

For food pairings, the subtle power and aromatic complexity of this wine excel alongside classic Bordeaux fare. Roast lamb, beef filet with a Bordelaise sauce, or duck breast (magret de canard) would be excellent choices, as would earthy mushroom dishes or a truffle-infused risotto. Regional favourites such as entrecôte à la bordelaise or grilled veal chops are exceptional companions, while the wine’s structure gracefully complements matured cheeses like aged Comté or Cantal.

To appreciate Château Pape Clément 2017 at its best, decant the wine for at least an hour to allow the bouquet to unfold and serve it at a temperature of 16-18°C. This will highlight its refined texture, balance and aromatic complexity, making each sip a true celebration of Bordeaux craftsmanship.