Pope Clement's Castle

Pope Clement's Castle

700 years of history

Bertrand de Got was appointed Archbishop of Bordeaux in 1299, and on that occasion received the vineyard of La Mothe. Six years later, designated to succeed Benedict XI, he became pope under the name ofClement VHis estate, which he had taken great care of during those years, then took the name of“Pope Clement”His new duties leaving him less time, he entrusted it to the archbishopric of Bordeaux, ensuring its continuity and quality.

Five centuries later, during the Revolution,Pope ClementIt fell into the public domain, passing through a succession of owners. At the end of the 19th century, when it was owned by Jean-Baptiste Clerc, the quality of its wines was such that they sold at the price of the Second Growth Classified wines of the Médoc. Subsequently, like many neighboring estates, the château suffered from vine diseases, wars, and economic crises. It declined for about fifty years, saved at the last minute by Paul Montagne, who acquired it in 1939. With the help of the renowned oenologist Émile Peynaud, he gradually restored it to its former glory. Together, they secured its classification as aGrand Cru Classéin 1959. It was his son Théo Montagne who succeeded him, joined in 1983 by Bernard Magrez, who took control.

Bernard Magrez

Passionate entrepreneur

Bernard MagrezA highly influential figure in the Bordeaux wine world, he now heads some forty properties worldwide, including Château La Tour Carnet in Haut-Médoc and Château Fombrauge in Saint-Émilion. Upon his arrival atPope ClementHe undertook the restoration of the château and a project to improve the quality of the wines. He thus made this property the flagship in his quest for great terroirs and great wines. Every action was deliberate and passionate, and it was at Château Pape Clément that he best fulfilled his desire for absolute perfection.

Sustainable agriculture

A well-tended vineyard

Since 2012, thanks to the addition of the former Malleprat castle, the vineyard has expanded by 15 hectares. Now covering 32.5 hectares, it comprises a mix of gravelly-sandy and clay-limestone soils, and its limestone subsoil is rich in iron. The vineyard is planted at approximately 8,300 vines per hectare, representing a high density. The red grape varieties include 60% of...Cabernet Sauvignonand 40% ofMerlotThe white wines are composed of Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon, each 45%, and 10% Muscadelle. The vines, cultivated using sustainable farming practices, benefit from regular pruning, leaf removal, and thinning.

The estate produces its second wine “Pope Clementine"in red and white, and a third wine in red, "The Prelate of Pope Clement".