2021 Bernard Magrez Chateauneuf du Pape

Maison Bernard Magrez settled in Châteauneuf first of all for the exceptional quality of its terroir, but also because Pope Clément V, a Bordeaux native who owned Château Pape Clément, became the first pope of Avignon. His summer residence was Châteauneuf du Pape, thus creating a very strong link with Château Pape Clément, Grand Cru Classé de Graves. Great wines always have a great history.

Bernard Magrez owns many of Bordeaux's most iconic estates including Château Pape Clément an exceptional Grand Cru Classé from Pessac-Léognan. Celebrated for his attention to detail in the vineyard and constant achievement of excellence in the winery which translates into award-winning wines for every occasion.

“My life has been forty years of passion for vines and wine. Now I want to pass on this sense of excellence. I’m a vintner, with four Grand Cru Classés estates in Bordeaux, a handful of exquisite vineyards in the south, and wineries in eight other countries around the world, and through them, I can create real emotions and wonder. This is what I’ve always done, and what I’ll always do.” ~Bernard Magrez

Bernard Magrez was born in Bordeaux in 1936 and left school at 16 to start trading wines. In 1961, at 25 years old, Bernard started his own company dedicated to whiskey and port. In the late ’70s, he went back to his roots in wine, and in the 1980s, he acquired Château Pape Clément, a famous Grand Cru Classé of Graves for thirty years. Next, he purchased Château Fombrauge, Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé, Château La Tour Carnet, Médoc Grand Cru Classé since 1855, and then, among eighteen other renowned Bordeaux estates, Clos Haut Peraguey, Premier Grand Cru Classé of Sauternes. His next acquisitions took place in eight different countries: Morocco, Spain, Portugal, Japan, Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, and the United States. In total, he owns 43 properties and more than 1,000 hectares of vineyards.

Pope Clement, who was originally from Bordeaux, moved the papacy and his summer home to Avignon. Hence, the name Chateauneuf du Pape (the new house of the Pope) describes the wines from the appellation. Bernard Magrez connected this and wanted to produce wine in the Southern Rhone.

50% Grenache, 10% Syrah, and 40% Mourvedre. With a fresh nose with pretty notes of black fruits, this classic wine has a nice balance between acidity, fruit, and freshness. There is an only a light oak which makes this wine ideal for any bbq, grilled meat, or a lamb cassoulet. Serve with a light chill.

A textbook Chateauneuf-du-Pape with notes of cherries, baked strawberries, dried Mediterranean herbs, and sweet spices. Medium to full-bodied, yet balanced with juicy fruit and a flavorful finish. Slightly warming in the finish. Drink or hold. ~92 James Suckling

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