Château Climens - Barsac

Château Climens is a renowned producer of sweet white wines located in the Barsac appellation of Bordeaux, France. The estate has a long and rich history dating back to the 16th century when it was owned by the Climens family. In the 19th century, the property was purchased by Lucien Lurton, a prominent Bordeaux wine merchant, who invested heavily in the vineyards and winemaking facilities. Today, Château Climens is owned by the Baly family, who continue to produce some of the finest sweet wines in the world. The estate comprises 30 hectares of vineyards planted with 100% Semillon grapes, which are harvested by hand in several passes to ensure only the ripest and healthiest grapes are used. The style of production at Château Climens is unique and highly regarded. The grapes are left on the vine until they are affected by botrytis cinerea, a fungus that causes the grapes to shrivel and concentrate their sugars. This process, known as noble rot, is essential to the production of sweet wines as it imparts complex flavours and aromas to the wine. Once the grapes have been harvested, they are pressed and the juice is fermented in oak barrels. The wine is then aged in oak for up to 24 months, during which time it develops its characteristic honeyed, apricot and citrus flavours. Château Climens produces several different wines, including a grand vin and a second wine, as well as a limited edition cuvée called "Cypres de Climens". The grand vin is the flagship wine of the estate and is only produced in the best vintages. It is a rich, complex and elegant wine with a long finish and the potential to age for decades. Overall, Château Climens is a producer of exceptional sweet white wines that are highly sought after by wine collectors and enthusiasts around the world. Its unique style of production and commitment to quality have earned it a place among the top producers in Bordeaux and beyond.