The winery is located in the commune of Pessac in the Pessac-Léognan area of Graves. It is one of the oldest wine estates in Bordeaux, having been founded in 1300 by the then Archbishop of Bordeaux Bertrand de Goth (1264-1314). As Pope Clement V, he chose the city of Avignon as his residence in 1309, thus establishing the French exile of the popes, which lasted until 1377. The label therefore still bears the papal insignia today. Clement left the estate to the bishopric of Bordeaux. Due to the French Revolution, the estate was confiscated in 1791 and sold to the banker Charles Peixotto. It flourished under the subsequent owner Jean-Baptiste Clerc. He considerably expanded the vineyards and also had the château built. After a chequered history with numerous owners, most of the vineyards were destroyed by hailstorms in 1937.
Two years later, it was bought by Paul Montagne and rebuilt with the support of Émile Peynaud (1912-2004). Today, there is a partnership between Paul's son Leo Montagne and Bernard Magrez, who is responsible for the business. The oenologist Michel Rolland (*1947) acted as consultant. The vineyards cover 32.5 hectares of vines. Of these, 30 hectares are planted with the red wine varieties Cabernet Sauvignon (60%) and Merlot (40%), and 2.5 hectares with the white wine varieties Sémillon (45%), Sauvignon Blanc (45%) and Muscadelle (10%). The extremely long-lasting red wine matures for 24 months in at least 70 to 100% new barriques. Only this wine is classified as Cru Classé des Graves. The two second wines are called "Le Clementin du Pape-Clément" and "Le Prelat du Pape-Clément". The white wine matures for 12 months in barriques.
By Cassander the Minoan, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link
edited by Norbert Tischelmayer 5/2019
