Château Pavie
(Image credit: Credit Unknown)

Pavie was promoted to the top echelon of St-Émilion in 2012, becoming a Premier Grand Cru Classé A...

History

There are indications that the first St-Émilion vines were planted on Pavie’s sunny, south-facing soils in the 4th century AD, yet its modern origins start with the late 19th century. Back then, it formed part of négociant Ferdinand Bouffard’s impressive estate – a single 50 hectare block he which at the time also included today’s Pavie-Decesse.

By 1943, the now 37 hectare property was owned by the Vallette family, and in 1998 the estate was sold to Gérard Perse of Vignobles Perse. Château Pavie remains one of largest single-plot vineyards in the appellation. The vineyard is divided into over 20 separate parcels on predominantly limestone and clay slopes leading up to the plateau on which the property sits.

View all of Decanter’s Château Pavie tasting notes

Controversy

This property is renowned for its modernist approach to winemaking – following its purchase by Gérard Perse, much of the equipment was replaced and a new cellar facility built. He also replanted many vineyard parcels and brought in consultant Michel Rolland, known for his forward-looking techniques such as the use of micro-oxygenation.

These changes helped to improve the quality of the wine, although it has courted controversy for its overly-concentrated style which some argue was developed to appeal to Robert Parker.

Post-Parker, Pavie continues to receive acclaim. Decanter’s own Bordeaux correspondent, Jane Anson, awarded the 2016 vintage en-primeur sample 97 points, stating, ‘Pavie needs to keep its signature black fruited glamour and intensity, as that is part of what delivered its new status, but to my mind this is a far better balance than in the past’.

pavie

pavie
(Image credit: Credit Unknown)

Pavie and Angelus promoted in new St Emilion Classification

Chateau Pavie’s owner Gerard Perse was 'overcome with emotion' as his property's promotion to St Emilion Premier Grand Cru Classé

Perse denounces Pavie critics

Chateau Pavie owner Gerard Perse has slammed critics of his 2003 as ‘insulting and malicious’.

Pavie debate: Robinson speaks out

Jancis Robinson MW has responded to Robert Parker’s recent comments attacking British wine tasters with letters to the New York

James Button
James Button
Regional Editor - Italy

James Button is Decanter’s regional editor for Italy, responsible for all of Decanter's Italian content in print and online.

Like many others, he started his wine career at Majestic Wine, giving him a strong grounding in the subject before successfully completing the WSET Level 4 Diploma in 2010. From 2014 to 2016 he managed the fine wine department of a startup wine company in London, before joining Decanter as digital sub-editor.

Outside of wine, James enjoys cooking, skiing, playing guitar and cycling.