Chateau L'Église-Clinet

Nestled in the heart of the prestigious Pomerol appellation in Bordeaux, France, Château L'Église-Clinet stands as a testament to the artistry and tradition of winemaking. With a history that dates back centuries, this remarkable estate has garnered acclaim for producing some of the finest wines in the world. “Today, it ranks among the best of the district, alongside châteaus Pétrus, Le Pin, Trotanoy, and Lafleur” — Wine Spectator.

Chateau L'Église-Clinet: History Turned Legacy

Château L’Église-Clinet has a rich and storied past, with its roots tracing back to the 18th century. The estate takes its name from the small church, or "l'église" in French, located nearby. Jean Rouchut acquired vineyard lands, laying the foundation for what would become L’Église Clinet in 1803. The initial vineyard, adjacent to the present winery and close to the cemetery, set the stage for a legacy that would endure for centuries.

The turning point came in 1882 when the Constant family, proprietors of neighboring Domaine de Clinet, sold vineyard land to the Rouchut family. This marked the official establishment of Clos L’Église-Clinet, a partnership forged between the Mauleon Rouchut and Constant families.

For decades, the combined efforts of the Mauleon Rouchut and Constant families resulted in wines sold under the name Clos L’Église-Clinet until 1954. It's worth noting that despite the name change in 1955 to Château L'Église-Clinet, the grape source remained consistent since 1914, showcasing a commitment to quality and tradition.

The Era of Denis Durantou

The transformational era for Château L’Église Clinet began in 1983 when Denis Durantou took the reins. Initially faced with challenges, including dilapidated cellars and outdated equipment, Durantou initiated significant renovations.

Denis Durantou's dedication bore fruit quickly, with the 1985 vintage marking a turning point. Year after year, the quality of Chateau L’Église Clinet improved, reaching new heights with the exceptional 1998 vintage. The wine steadily evolved into one of Pomerol's true stars, gaining recognition for its concentration, opulence, and harmonious balance.

“Under Denis, L’Église Clinet rose from obscurity to become one of Pomerol’s – and indeed Bordeaux’s – greatest wines. His passion for and his understanding of his terroir and meticulous attention to detail of every aspect of the winemaking process were the keys to his success” — Stephen Browett of Farr Vintners

Durantou's impact on Château L’Église Clinet and the world of wine was immeasurable. A true vintner, he overcame challenges, leaving an indelible mark on the estate's legacy. After a long illness, Durantou passed away in May 2020, leaving behind a legacy of exceptional wines. His wife, Marie Reilhac, and their daughters Alix Durantou, Noemie Durantou, and Constance Durantou continue to uphold the estate's traditions.

Chateau L'Église-Clinet: Winemaking & Terroir

The 4.4-hectare, cross-shaped vineyards, situated on a diverse soil profile of clay, gravel, and iron-rich soils, yield grapes that embody the essence of Pomerol. The microclimate, influenced by the nearby Dordogne River, further adds nuance to the fruit, creating an environment that allows Merlot and Cabernet Franc to thrive. The presence of old Cabernet Franc vines, some dating back to 1905 and 1935, adds a layer of complexity to the wines. These vines, along with rich clay soils, contribute to the unique style and aromatic intricacies that define L'Église Clinet.

Château L'Église Clinet's winemaking philosophy is a seamless blend of tradition and modern innovation. Under the visionary leadership of Denis Durantou, the estate underwent significant improvements in the 1980s. Durantou introduced stainless steel, temperature-controlled vats, revamped the aging process with new French oak, and initiated extensive vineyard replanting. The commitment to hand-harvesting, meticulous sorting, and gentle grape handling remains a cornerstone of the winemaking process. This attention to detail ensures that the true expression of the terroir is preserved in each bottle.

Old Cabernet Franc vines, some reaching almost 70 years of age, coexist with younger vines, creating a dynamic and balanced vineyard ecosystem. The careful management of these vines, coupled with sustainable and organic practices, contributes to the consistent excellence of the grapes harvested.

Chateau L'Église-Clinet Wines

After the initial renovations by Denis Durantou in the 1980s, the estate adopted a meticulous approach to aging. The combination of stainless steel, cement tanks, and new French oak barrels allows for a nuanced and controlled aging process. This careful curation results in wines that display a harmonious balance between fruit expression, structure, and aging potential.

The wines of Château L'Église Clinet, exemplified by their flagship blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, offer a sensory journey through the terroir of Pomerol. Concentrated, full-bodied, and opulent, these wines reveal a purity of fruit, exotic spice components, and sensuous textures that set them apart in the world of Bordeaux wines.

La Chapelle de L’Église, the second wine of the estate, offers a more approachable expression of Pomerol. It is crafted with the same precision and care as the flagship wine, making it a delightful introduction to the Château L’Église Clinet style.

A Journey Through Time & Terroir

With its deep-rooted history, commitment to tradition, and a portfolio of remarkable wines, this Pomerol gem continues to capture the hearts and palates of wine connoisseurs worldwide. A bottle of Château L’Église Clinet is a journey through time and terroir, encapsulating the essence of Bordeaux's winemaking legacy.