Clos l'Église

Identity

Clos L'Église is a winegrowing estate located in Pomerol, in the Gironde department. It is owned by Hélène Garcin Cathiard and Patrice Lévêque, the latter also serving as the estate's cellar master and oenologist. Consulting oenologists, Michel Rolland and subsequently Dr. Alain Raynaud, have also contributed their expertise.

History and Philosophy

The history of Clos L'Église dates back to the 18th century, when the estate spanned approximately 14 hectares. Following an inheritance division, the property was split in two: one part became Clos L'Église-Clinet, while the other, retaining the original name, passed to the Rouchut family. As early as 1925, Clos L'Église was regarded as one of the leading estates in its appellation. In 1997, Sylviane Garcin Cathiard acquired the property and undertook a complete renovation of the cellars. Today, the estate is managed by Hélène Garcin Cathiard and Patrice Lévêque. The vineyard is farmed according to the principles of sustainable viticulture (agriculture raisonnée), incorporating traditional ploughing.

Appellations

The estate's wines are produced under the Pomerol appellation.

Practical Information

The estate is located at 1, Clinet, 33500 Pomerol. For further information or to arrange a visit by appointment, the estate can be contacted by telephone on +33 (0)5 57 25 72 55 or by email at info@chateaubardehaut.com. The estate does not offer direct sales on-site, but wines can be purchased via mail order.

Find Out More

Official estate website

The Vineyard (Terroir)

The Clos L'Église vineyard covers an area of 5.9 hectares, planted entirely with red grape varieties. The soils are clay-gravel with the presence of iron pan (crasses de fer). The plots are located close to Château Clinet, on the slope of the Pomerol plateau. The grape varieties consist predominantly of Merlot (between 70% and 80%) and Cabernet franc (between 20% and 30%). The average age of the vines is 50 years, with a planting density of around 7,150 vines per hectare. Harvesting is carried out by hand.

Flagship Cuvées

The estate's grand vin is Clos L'Église. A second wine is also produced, named Esprit de l'Église. These red wines are crafted from Merlot and Cabernet franc.

Vinification and Ageing

The estate's cellars underwent a complete renovation following the 1997 acquisition. Winemaking practices incorporate techniques designed to showcase the distinctive characteristics of the Pomerol terroir.