Château le Pape
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Château Le Pape is a 9-hectare winegrowing estate located in Léognan, producing red wine in the Pessac-Léognan AOC. The vineyard is planted predominantly with Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon on sand over clay soils. It was acquired in 2012 by Robert and Elisabeth Wilmers.
Identity
Château Le Pape is a winegrowing estate located in the commune of Léognan.
History and philosophy
The estate was founded during the 18th century. In 2012, it was acquired by Robert and Elisabeth Wilmers, who also owned Château Haut-Bailly. A guest house activity opened in September 2015, although other sources indicate no accommodation is available. Gabriel Vialard serves as cellar master and vineyard manager, with Véronique Sanders-van Beek managing the estate. The estate does not practise biodynamics and does not purchase grapes.
Appellations
Château Le Pape produces its wines under the Pessac-Léognan appellation.
Flagship wines
The estate's principal cuvée is Château Le Pape, a red wine. Average production is estimated at 30,000 to 40,000 bottles per year.
Practical information
Château Le Pape is located at 25 Chemin le Thil, 33850 Léognan. The estate can be contacted by telephone on +33 (0)5 56 64 75 11 or by email at reservation@chateaulepape.com. Tours of the château are not available; while some sources mention the presence of guest rooms, others state that no accommodation is provided. Both English and French are spoken for visits and enquiries.
Find out more
Frequently asked questions
- Where is Château Le Pape located and under which appellation does it produce its wines?
- Château Le Pape is situated in the commune of Léognan, in the Gironde department. This winegrowing estate produces its wines exclusively under the Pessac-Léognan appellation, renowned for the quality of its red and white wines. The estate is precisely located at 25 Chemin le Thil, 33850 Léognan.
- Which grape varieties are grown and what are the terroir characteristics of Château Le Pape?
- The Château Le Pape vineyard extends across 9 hectares and is devoted to red grape varieties. The plantings consist predominantly of Merlot (80%), complemented by 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. The terroir is characterised by sand over clay soils, shaping the distinct profile of the estate's wines. Harvesting is carried out by hand.
- Who are the current owners of Château Le Pape and who manages it?
- Château Le Pape was acquired in 2012 by Robert and Elisabeth Wilmers, also owners of Château Haut-Bailly. The estate is managed by Véronique Sanders-van Beek. Gabriel Vialard serves as cellar master and vineyard manager, overseeing wine production quality.
- Does Château Le Pape offer tours or accommodation?
- Tours of Château Le Pape are not available to the public. Regarding accommodation, conflicting reports exist: some sources mention guest rooms opened in September 2015, while others note that no lodging is available. For any enquiries, the estate can be contacted by telephone or email.
The vineyard (terroir)
The Château Le Pape vineyard covers an area of 9 hectares, dedicated entirely to red grape varieties. The soil is characterised by sand over clay. The grape variety distribution consists of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. Harvesting is carried out by hand.
Vinification and ageing
No documented information regarding vinification and ageing practices is available.
- Appellation
- Pessac-Léognan
- Commune
- Léognan
- Wine region
- Graves & Sauternais
- Owner
- Patrick Monjanel
- Technical direction
- Gabriel Vialard
- Surface area
- 9 ha
- Grape varieties
- Merlot 80%, Cabernet Sauvignon 20%
Practical information
- Address
- 25 Chemin le Thil, 33850 Léognan
- Phone
- +33 (0)5 56 64 75 11
- Contact form
- Contact the estate