A brief history of Chateau Climens Premier Cru Classe, Barsac, Bordeaux

In the heart of the Barsac appellation, one of Bordeaux's esteemed sweet wine regions stands the historic Château Climens. This acclaimed estate traces its origins back to the 16th century and is often referred to as the "Lord of Barsac”. In the 1855 Bordeaux classification, it acquired Premier Cru Classé status. Acquired by the Roborel de Climens family in the 18th century, the château has since been synonymous with the highest standards of sweet wine production. Spanning over 30 hectares, Château Climens neighbours some of the most prestigious estates in the region. The château is now under the meticulous care of the Lurton family with Bérénice Lurton at its helm. Under her guidance, the estate converted to biodynamic winemaking and viticulture in 2010. The house has stringent standards. If a vintage is of less than exceptional quality or noble rot (Botrytis cinerea) necessary for Barsac production has not formed, the estate will not produce its Grand Vin, Château Climens.

Chateau Climens Premier Cru Classe, Barsac, Bordeaux overview

The estate’s first wine, Château Climens, is a benchmark for Barsac winemaking. Crafted exclusively from Sémillon, this wine is an exquisite embodiment of balance and elegance. The wine's remarkable ageing potential allows it to develop profound depth and nuanced character over the years, making it a prized possession for collectors and enthusiasts.

Performance

Understanding Chateau Climens Premier Cru Classe, Barsac, Bordeaux

The terroir of Château Climens is characterised by its unique composition of limestone and clay soils, ideal for the cultivation of Sémillon. The estate's location in Barsac provides a perfect microclimate for the development of noble rot. The average age of the vines is over 35 years, contributing to the grapes' intensity and complexity. The harvest at Château Climens is an intricate process, with grapes handpicked plot by plot in successive waves to ensure only those perfectly affected by noble rot are selected. For terroir-expression precision, fermentation is carried out in small batches in part-new French oak and matures for 20 to 22 months. This process adds layers of complexity and a subtle oak influence while preserving the intrinsic qualities of the Sémillon grapes. The resulting wine is a true expression of the Barsac terroir, offering a captivating experience that resonates with depth, elegance and finesse. Château Climens features honey, candied fruits, citrus zest, a hint of spice and delicate florals in a palate that balances sweetness with refreshing acidity. This wine has excellent ageing potential.

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