Wines Pessac-Léognan Château Pape Clément - Clémentin de Pape Clément - 2019

Viniou Reviews

The 2019 Clémentin de Pape Clément, the distinguished second wine of Château Pape Clément, hails from the prestigious Pessac-Léognan appellation within the Graves region of Bordeaux. Crafted from a careful blend, typically dominated by Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon with a touch of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, it exemplifies the finesse and elegance for which its grand vin is renowned. The 2019 vintage benefited from a warm, well-balanced growing season, producing a wine with ripe black fruit aromas—think blackcurrant and blackberry—interlaced with notes of violet, graphite, and subtle spice, all reinforced by careful ageing in French oak barrels. Its supple tannins and fresh acidity guarantee both youthful pleasure and moderate ageing potential.

Pessac-Léognan lies in the southern part of Bordeaux and is celebrated for producing some of the world’s most refined reds and characterful dry whites. The region’s gravelly soils, mixed with sand and clay, provide excellent drainage, contributing to thick-skinned, concentrated grapes. The mild maritime climate, tempered by nearby forests and the Garonne River, offers long growing seasons, ideal for slow, even ripening. Graves' winemaking tradition is ancient—Château Pape Clément itself dates back to the early 14th century and has played a formative role in the history of Bordeaux.

With its supple structure and aromatic complexity, the Clémentin de Pape Clément 2019 pairs brilliantly with grilled or roasted meats such as lamb with rosemary or beef fillet. Game birds like duck breast, especially with red wine reduction, also complement its depth. For a regional experience, consider serving it alongside magret de canard or entrecôte à la bordelaise. The wine’s refined oak undertones and vibrant fruit equally suit hard cheeses such as aged Comté or Cantal.

For optimal enjoyment, decant the wine for one hour and serve at 16–18°C. This temperature allows the wine’s bouquet to open fully while preserving vibrancy on the palate. This Clémentin de Pape Clément will drink beautifully now after some aeration, but a few more years in the cellar will further enhance its elegance and integration.