If you're a fan of wine, then you've probably heard of Chateau Pavie. This world-renowned winery produces some of the finest wines in the world, and their vineyards are located in the heart of Bordeaux. In this article, we will discuss five interesting facts about Chateau Pavie that you may not have known before!
Their wine-growing tradition stretches back to Roman times
While the current iteration of the vineyard is somewhat more modern, grapes have been grown for winemaking on the site that would become Chateau Pavie since Roman times. In fact, the name is derived from a Gallo-Roman Roman senator called Publius Vibius Pansa.
Despite its history, winemaking didn’t flourish there until 1998
Interestingly enough, Chateau Pavie was not always used for winemaking; it served as a fortress and stronghold during different periods of its history. It wasn’t until the end of the 20th century that modern wine-making techniques were brought in and the vineyard flourished.
Today, Chateau Pavie is considered one of the best producers in Bordeaux and its wines regularly score 90+ points on Wine Advocate.In 2012 it was elevated to Premier Grand Cru Classe A
During the 2012 classification of Bordeaux wines, Chateau Pavie was elevated to Premier Grand Cru Classe A – the highest rank possible.
This made it one of just four chateaux in Saint-Emilion with this classification and was raised to Premier Grand Cru Classe A at the same time as Chateau Angelus.It’s a mostly organic vineyard
The vast majority of the vineyard is organically farmed, with biodynamic principles being applied in the most sensitive areas.
This means that no synthetic herbicides, pesticides or fungicides are used and that the vines are treated using natural products like cow manure and quartz dust.
The results speak for themselves – the wines from Chateau Pavie have an intense mineral character and a vibrancy that is unmatched in the region.Chateau Pavie is part of a wider wine empire
Owned by the Perse family since its inception, Chateau Pavie is part of a wider wine empire that also includes the prestigious estates of Pavie-Decesse, Monbousquet, Bellevue Mondotte, Clos des Lunelles, Chateau Clos l’Eglise and Chateau Sainte-Colombe.
This gives the Perse family an unrivalled level of expertise when it comes to blending wines from different terroirs and appellations, making sure that each and every wine they produce is of the highest possible quality.
Michel Rolland has managed all of these vineyards at one point or another and his influence on the wines of Pavie and its satellites is unmistakable, with firm extractions and an oak regime that is often criticised but always results in wines of real character and ageing potential.
Chateau Pavie is one of the newest estates in the Saint-Émilion appellation but has already made a name for itself as one of the best. The wines of Pavie are made from a blend of 70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon, giving them a deep, rich colour and plenty of backbone. The estate has come to be known for its big, bold wines with layers of flavour that can age for decades.
