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Chateau Climens

Location: Chateau Climens is in the commune of Barsac.

Size: There are 29 hectares under vines (70 acres) in a single block. Production is about 4,500 cases of total wine each year.

Classification: Premier Cru of Barsac-Sauternes Classification of 1855

Vineyard: 100% Semillion The average age of the vines is about 35 years. The vineyards are on the Barsac plateau which has a gentle slope. The soil is composed of a thin red layer of sandy soil over large pebbles and gravel. The soil has a high mineral content that is especially rich in iron. The subsoil is made of a layer of broken limestone that has excellent drainage. The vines are planted to a density of 6,660 vines per hectare (about 2750 per acre). The average yeild from these vineyards is about 12 hectolitres per hectare. Chateau Climens is always among the first of the chateaux in Barsac-Sauternes to begin harvest. This is possible because on this estate the Botrytis Cinera which is necessary to make the sweet wines, develops at a very early date each year when compared to its neighbors.

Vinification: The grapes are harvested by hand as the law requires in Bordeaux. Fermentation takes place in oak barrels. In April or May, the wines of the previous harvest are blended to create the final wine for the vintage. The emphasis is on creating a uniform wine that has the finesse and balance for which Chateau Climens is known. The wines are finally aged in oak barrels for 18 to 24 months of aging after fermentation. The time in barrels varies according to the characteristics of the vintage. The percentage of new oak (new barrels) can vary each year and ranges from 35% to 60%. The percentage of new barrels is determined, once again, by the characteristics of the vintage. New barrels give more oak characteristics than those that have previously been used. Each year, the winemaker decides how much oak influence the wine needs.

History: Since Chateau Climens was purchased by the Roborel family in the 15th century, tradition seems to have been the watchword. Only when technical advancements have proven themselves as ways to improve the quality of the wines have the procedures here changed. A good example is the cellarmaster, Christian Broustaut, who began his work at Chateau Climens in 1969. He was trained by his father who held the same job. Christian's father was, in turn, trained by his own father who was also the cellarmaster at Chateau Climens.

Chateau Climens has been owned by the Lurton family (who is prominent in it's ownership of 11 chateaux in the Bordeaux region) since 1971. The Lutons have divided the responsibilities for the various estates among the members of the current generation. Bérénice Lurton is charged with Chateau Climens.

Style: Chateau Climens has a wonderful balance of power and finesse. It needs at least 10 years as a minimum to develop and can have a life of 50 to 100 years in great vintages if properly stored.

Climens is often described as having a bouquet that is highlighted by pineapple and apricot. Those fruits are also integrated into the taste of the wine with hints of vanilla as well. Wines from Chateau Climens always have excellent levels of acidity. This acidity keeps the levels of residual sugar from becoming cloying on the palate. Chateau Climens makes one of the great sweet wines of the world.

Food: Let your imagination be your guide with this beautiful wine. Traditonal accompaniments include any of the blue-viened cheeses, creme brulee, dried stone fruits or with rich foods like pates and foie gras.

Second Wine:  Cypres de Climens
Visits and Tours: Visitation to Chateau Climens is by appointment only.

33720 Barsac (France)
Phone : +33 (0) 5 56 27 15 33
Fax : +33 (0) 5 56 27 21 04