Viniou Reviews
Château Pape Clément 2015 is a remarkable wine from the Pessac-Léognan appellation, situated in the esteemed Graves region of Bordeaux. This cuvée, classified as Grand Cru Classé de Graves, is a blend that typically includes a majority of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, with possible touches of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, creating a complex and structured wine. The 2015 vintage is particularly noteworthy, benefiting from a warm and dry summer that allowed the grapes to reach optimal ripeness, delivering concentrated fruit flavors and silky tannins. The terroir of Pessac-Léognan is noted for its gravelly soils, which provide excellent drainage and reflect heat to help the grapes mature.
Bordeaux, and specifically the Graves region, enjoys a temperate maritime climate, with the influence of the Atlantic Ocean moderating extremes of temperature. The history of Bordeaux wines is rich, with viticulture dating back to Roman times. The terroir’s criteria and careful vinification techniques create wines of elegance and longevity, known for their potential to age beautifully.
Pair this exquisite Pessac-Léognan with classic French dishes such as duck confit or a beef tenderloin with a rich wine reduction sauce. Locally, a traditional Bordeaux entrecôte à la bordelaise, a rib steak cooked in a red wine sauce, would marry harmoniously with this wine. For a cheese pairing, consider a mature Comté or a creamy Camembert.
When serving Château Pape Clément 2015, aim for a temperature of 16-18°C to allow the full bouquet of dark fruits, earthy notes, and subtle spices to emerge. It is advisable to decant this wine for an hour to let it fully open up and reveal its depth and complexity. This wine is a testament to Bordeaux’s capability to produce wines of both character and finesse that are perfect for special occasions or to enhance a memorable meal.
