Frequently Asked Questions
Château de Pez, the oldest estate in Saint-Estèphe, Bordeaux, seamlessly blends tradition and modernity to craft exceptional wines. Established in the 15th century and revitalized under Champagne Louis Roederer's ownership, this 94-acre vineyard thrives on gravel, clay, and limestone soils, offering a terroir perfect for Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Notable for its elegant complexity, Château de Pez wines feature deep, robust flavors of blackcurrant, redcurrant, and hints of licorice and golden tobacco, alongside velvety tannins that promise exceptional aging potential. With meticulous winemaking, including plot-by-plot vinification and aging in French oak barrels, this Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel estate embodies the refined, structured, and cellar-worthy spirit of Saint-Estèphe.
Process & Profile
Château de Pez, located in the heart of the Saint-Estèphe appellation in Bordeaux, boasts a legacy dating back to the 15th century, making it one of the oldest wine estates in the region. This historic estate spans 39 hectares of premium vineyard terrain, primarily planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc. The vineyard's gravelly and clay-rich soils, combined with meticulous viticulture and modern winemaking techniques, contribute to the creation of robust, structured wines with remarkable aging potential. The winemaking process at Château de Pez is a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity. Grapes are carefully fermented and aged in French oak barrels, including a notable proportion of new oak, which imparts complex toasted and vanilla notes. This dedication to quality has solidified Château de Pez's reputation as a Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel since its classification in 2003.Tasting Notes
Ch√¢teau de Pez wines are celebrated for their full-bodied, complex profiles and deep garnet coloration. The nose unfolds with inviting aromas of ripe black fruits like cassis, black cherries, and plums, complemented by cedar, tobacco, and subtle floral hints such as lilac and peony. On the palate, these wines are well-structured, with firm yet polished tannins that balance vibrant acidity. Notes of graphite, dark chocolate, and spices emerge, leading to a long, elegant finish with hints of bitter orange zest and minerality. The wines of Ch√¢teau de Pez exude both power and finesse, making them equally enjoyable young or after years of cellaring.What Makes It Special
- Historical Prestige: Founded in the 15th century, Ch√¢teau de Pez holds a storied past, once owned by the famed Pontac family of Ch√¢teau Haut-Brion.
- Terroir-Driven Excellence: The unique terroir, with its gravel over clay soil, imparts a distinctive minerality and structure that is signature to Saint-Estèphe wines.
- Commitment to Quality: From its meticulous vineyard management to aging in new oak barrels, the ch√¢teau employs techniques that elevate the expression of its Bordeaux blends.
- Sustainability: The estate's dedication to sustainable practices ensures environmentally conscious production while maintaining wine quality.
How to Enjoy
Ch√¢teau de Pez is a versatile wine with incredible pairing potential. Its bold tannic structure and rich flavors make it a standout companion for:- Red meats: Enjoy with roasted lamb, grilled steak, or classic dishes like Beef Wellington.
- Game: Perfect with venison or duck breast.
- Aged cheeses: Pair with strong cheeses to highlight the wine's robust fruit and spice notes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Château de Pez Saint-Estèphe?
Château de Pez is one of the oldest wine estates in the Saint-Estèphe appellation of Bordeaux, dating back to 1452. It is renowned for producing rich, structured red wines with a focus on Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot blends.
What grapes are used in Ch√¢teau de Pez wines?
The vineyard is planted with a blend of 48% Merlot, 46% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petit Verdot. These proportions create a balanced wine with robust flavors and refined textures.
What are the tasting notes of Ch√¢teau de Pez wines?
Ch√¢teau de Pez wines are rich, complex, and full-bodied. They showcase flavors of blackcurrant, blackberry, spices, tobacco, and notes of mocha and vanilla. The wines also have well-structured tannins, making them excellent for aging.
How should I pair Ch√¢teau de Pez with food?
This wine pairs well with a variety of dishes, including roasted meats like lamb, beef, pork, or duck. It also complements hearty dishes like mushroom risotto, pasta with rich sauces, and cheese platters.
What is the aging potential of Ch√¢teau de Pez wines?
These wines have excellent aging potential, typically reaching their peak between 10 to 18 years after bottling, depending on the vintage. With proper cellaring, they can age gracefully for decades.
What temperatures should Ch√¢teau de Pez wines be served at?
The ideal serving temperature is around 15.5°C (60°F), which helps preserve the wine's freshness and highlights its flavors.
What makes the terroir of Ch√¢teau de Pez unique?
The estate's terroir consists of gravel, limestone, and clay soils. This combination provides excellent drainage and retains moisture, which is crucial for the quality and consistency of the grapes, especially in warm vintages.
Which vintages of Ch√¢teau de Pez are considered the best?
Noteworthy vintages include 2020, 2019, 2018, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2010, 2009, 2005, and 2003. These years are known for their exceptional balance, richness, and aging potential.
How is Ch√¢teau de Pez wine made?
The winemaking process involves vinification in both traditional large oak vats and stainless steel tanks, followed by malolactic fermentation in oak and steel. The wine is then aged in 40% new French oak barrels for approximately 15 months.
What is special about the Saint-Estèphe appellation?
Saint-Estèphe is located in the Médoc region of Bordeaux and is known for its robust, full-bodied red wines. The area's unique combination of gravely and clay soils produces wines with strong tannins and excellent aging potential, which Château de Pez exemplifies.
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