Chateau Clos L'EgliseProducer from Bordeaux, France

Pomerol, Bordeaux

Clos L'Église is one of the most esteemed estates in Pomerol, known for producing wines of extraordinary depth, elegance, and complexity. Despite not being included in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification, Clos L'Église is widely regarded as one of the finest wines in Bordeaux, consistently delivering a unique expression of the Pomerol terroir. With a history that dates back to the 18th century and a commitment to producing wines of the highest quality, Clos L'Église is a true gem of the Right Bank.

History of Clos L'Église

The history of Clos L'Église dates back to the 18th century when the estate was first established in the heart of Pomerol. The property has changed hands several times over the centuries, with each owner contributing to its development and reputation. In 1997, the estate was acquired by the Garcin family, who have since invested significantly in the vineyard and winery, helping to elevate Clos L'Église to its current status as one of Pomerol’s top properties.

Under the Garcin family’s stewardship, Clos L'Église has flourished, producing wines that are celebrated for their elegance, complexity, and ability to age gracefully. The family’s dedication to quality and their deep understanding of the Pomerol terroir have helped Clos L'Église maintain its status as one of Bordeaux’s great wines.

The Terroir of Clos L'Église

The terroir of Clos L'Église is one of its most defining features, contributing to the unique character and quality of its wines. The estate’s 5.9 hectares of vineyards are located on the famous Pomerol plateau, where the soils are a mix of gravel, clay, and deep blue clay, known as "crasse de fer." These soils provide excellent drainage and are ideal for cultivating Merlot and Cabernet Franc, the dominant grape varieties at Clos L'Église.

The vineyard is planted with 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc. This blend reflects the estate’s commitment to capturing the full potential of its terroir, with Merlot providing richness and roundness, and Cabernet Franc contributing structure, freshness, and aromatic complexity.

The unique combination of soils, exposure, and grape varieties allows Clos L'Église to produce wines that are both powerful and elegant, with a remarkable ability to age gracefully over decades.

Winemaking at Clos L'Église

Winemaking at Clos L'Église is a meticulous process that combines tradition with innovation. The grapes are hand-harvested and undergo rigorous sorting to ensure that only the finest fruit is used in the winemaking process. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats, allowing for precise control over the extraction of flavours and tannins.

The wines are then aged in French oak barrels for 18 to 20 months, with about 50% to 70% new oak used each year. This ageing process enhances the wines' complexity and depth, allowing the tannins to soften and the flavours to integrate harmoniously. The result is a wine that is both approachable in its youth and capable of developing greater complexity and nuance over time.