Château Pavie

Vineyards on the Pavie hill date back to the 4th century, taking the name from the peach orchards that once stood there. The modern estate was unified in the late 19th century by Ferdinand Bouffard, who purchased multiple parcels to create one of the largest properties in Saint Émilion. After being held by the Valette family for over 50 years, the estate was acquired in 1998 by Gérard Perse, a former professional cyclist and retail entrepreneur. Following the death of Gérard Perse in 2025, the family legacy continues under the management of his daughter Chantal and son-in-law Henrique da Costa.

The property consists of approximately 37 hectares of vines situated in a single block on the Saint Émilion plateau and its south facing slopes. The terroir is defined by three distinct soil zones including the limestone plateau, the clay limestone mid slope, and the sandy clay soils at the foot of the hill. Vineyard management emphasizes low yields and sustainable practices, with a significant portion of the land farmed organically. In the cellar, grapes undergo fermentation in temperature controlled wooden vats followed by aging in French oak barrels, often 70 to 100 percent new, for up to 32 months.

Château Pavie is the flagship of the Vignobles Perse portfolio and is known for its concentrated and powerful style of Merlot based blends. In 2012, the estate achieved the highest rank in the Saint Émilion classification, being promoted to Premier Grand Cru Classé (A). The winery also produces a second wine, Arômes de Pavie, which has been produced since the 2005 vintage. Despite historical debates among critics regarding its bold profile, the estate is established as a leading name in the Right Bank and frequently receives high scores for its aging potential.