An overview of Pape Clément history
Pape Clément is one of the oldest great growths in Bordeaux. The vineyards were first planted in the 13th century by Bertrand de Goth, the youngest son of a noble family from Bordeaux. He was elected Pope in 1305, during the reign of Philippe le Bel, and took the name of Clément V.
Château Pape Clément belonged to the Archbishop of Bordeaux until the French Revolution. Wine has been made here continuously for 7 centuries.
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Recent history
Chateau Pape Clément was sold in an auction. A bank owner from Bordeaux, Charles Peixotto, purchased the property and after him many others.
In 1937 a terrible hailstorm destroyed the vineyard. For wine lover's sake the Pape Clément vines have been bred again two years later, by Paul Montagne, an agronomist. He has been able to save the main part of the vine and to replant the vineyard… He took advice from a young wine master, Emile Peynaud, who has revolutionized the winemaking process in Bordeaux. The vintage was classified as a first growth of Bordeaux wines in 1959.
Paul's son, Léo, and later his son-in-law, Mister Bernard Magrez, have made the best of it. The castle has been restored and transformed in 1983.
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