The producer
Two generations of Avrils studied winemaking in Burgundy and current incumbent generation Vincent Avril worked at Mount Mary in Australia’s Yarra Valley. Clos des Papes is renowned for a beautifully elegant version of Chateauneuf-du-Pape.
The family has been producing Chateauneuf-du-Pape since the 1600s and now farm 35 hectares biodynamically in the heart of the commune. Predominantly Grenache with 20% Mourvedre, 10% Syrah and of 5% of other varieties add a subtle spicing; no new oak is used so the fruit shows all its purity and finesse.
They are highly regarded for their red wines but they also make an outstanding Chateauneuf Blanc. Clos des Papes’ Chateauneuf Blanc blends equal proportions of Bourboulenc, Clairette, Grenache Blanc, Picardin, Piquepoul and Roussanne and the wines doesn’t go through malolactic fermentation, which makes this a fresher version of the classic rich style of white Chateauneuf-du-Pape, and a wine of real class. We offer both red and white wines from Clos des Papes.
The wine
The Chateauneuf is Clos des Papes’ flagship wine and produced from vines of minimum 50 years of age. The blend is made up of around 65% Grenache, with 20% Mourvedre, 10% Syrah, and 5% other varieties. Grapes are destemmed and the different grape varieties are co-fermented. The wine then ages in old foudres for 15 months. This is without a doubt fine Chateauneuf, the body is full and generous, with layers of concentrated fruit, yet balanced by savoury complexity and firm tannins. Wonderful wines.
