Winery Overview & History
Château Pavie is one of Saint-Émilion’s most celebrated Grand Cru Classé “A” estates, known for its bold structure and monumental wines. The estate traces its origins to the 4th century, when Roman settlers first cultivated vines on these sun-drenched slopes. In the modern era, the Perse family has transformed Pavie into a symbol of precision and excellence.
Its philosophy combines power and finesse — a fusion of traditional Bordeaux elegance and modern craftsmanship that has made Pavie a reference point for collectors worldwide.
Vineyard Location & Terroir
Château Pavie occupies the southern slopes of Saint-Émilion, where limestone and clay soils provide perfect balance between drainage and water retention. The vineyard spans 37 hectares at altitudes ranging from 85 to 100 meters, enjoying ideal sun exposure throughout the growing season.
This exceptional terroir gives Pavie wines their signature richness, density, and mineral backbone — characteristics that define its Grand Cru Classé “A” status.
Grape Varieties & Wine Style
The vineyard is planted to 60% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc, and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon. The style is unmistakably bold yet graceful — intense aromas of black cherry, licorice, and graphite, layered with refined tannins and remarkable aging potential.
Château Pavie combines opulence and minerality, offering wines that evolve from muscular youth to velvety maturity, expressing both power and poetry in every glass.
Signature Wines
- Château Pavie (Grand Vin) — The estate’s flagship wine, celebrated for its intensity, structure, and longevity.
- Arômes de Pavie (Second Wine) — Crafted for earlier drinking while preserving the estate’s bold personality.
- Pavie Decesse — A neighboring estate sharing similar terroir, offering profound complexity.
Exceptional vintages include 2000, 2005, 2009, 2010, 2015, and 2016.
Winemaking & Cellar Practices
Château Pavie employs meticulous hand-harvesting and optical sorting. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled oak vats, followed by aging in 100% new French oak barrels for up to 24 months. The Perse family’s dedication to detail ensures that each vintage achieves exceptional balance and depth.
The estate has adopted sustainable viticulture and modern architecture, featuring a gravity-flow cellar that unites aesthetics with function.
Visitor & Contact Information
Address: Château Pavie, 33330 Saint-Émilion, France
Phone: +33 5 57 24 71 36
Website: www.vignoblesperse.com
Email: contact@vignoblesperse.com
Visiting: Visits by appointment only. Private tastings and guided vineyard tours available upon request.
*Photo courtesy of The World of Fine Wine