Clos des Papes

Four soils, one appellation

Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a region characterized by a mix of diverse soils rather than a single terroir. This appellation features four soil types originating from three distinct geological eras: limestone fragments, the famous rounded gravel, sandy soil, and red sandstone.

Thanks to this mix, the wines from this region have a very broad spectrum of aromas. The sand imparts a fragrant and lively character, while the gravel stores the day's heat and slowly releases it at night, and the limestone adds freshness. By cultivating vineyards across these diverse soil types, growers secure a wealth of material to utilize in their blends.

Furthermore, Châteauneuf-du-Pape was the first French appellation to be granted AOC status in 1936. Clos des Papes adheres to these regulations; in the southern Rhône region, heat and ripeness are rarely an issue, so the focus is typically on achieving balance.

The grapes

Châteauneuf-du-Pape uses a variety of grape varieties, and Clos des Papes utilizes more varieties than most people realize. While the exact proportions vary from year to year, the 2012 vintage red wine is a good example of this winery's style:

• Grenache makes up 65% and forms the backbone of the wine
• Mourvèdre accounts for 20%, adding structure and a firm texture
• Syrah makes up 10%
• The remainder consists of small amounts of lesser-known varieties from the appellation, including Counoise

Mourvèdre, which makes up one-fifth of the blend, plays a significant role. This variety ripens late, adding tannins and a savory depth; this is one of the reasons these red wines maintain their quality even after long-term cellaring, rather than fading over the years.

The winemaking

First, let's take a look at the vineyard. This is because most of the work takes place right there. Vincent Avril cultivates the land using organic methods as much as possible, and Clos des Papes' yield is kept very low. Looking at the yields from 2008 to 2012, the average was approximately 2.9 metric tons per hectare.

At the winery, the approach is equally straightforward. The grapes are destemmed. Since new oak barrels are never used, no additional flavors are superimposed on the fruit's natural character, and the wine retains the distinctive character of Châteauneuf-du-Pape rather than taking on the aroma of oak.

Given the rich ripeness offered by the southern Rhône region, intensity and elegance may sound like contradictory concepts in this appellation. Through low yields, a method that avoids whole-cluster fermentation, and the use of neutral oak barrels, Clos des Papes manages to capture both of these characteristics in a single bottle.

The wines

Clos des Papes bottles only one red wine, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, each year. It does not select specific vineyard plots and has no Prestige Cuvée of a higher grade than this wine. Everything hinges on this one wine.

This red wine is dry and full-bodied, and in hot years, its alcohol content can reach about 15%. It is sealed with cork, no new oak barrels are used, and it is made from a blend consisting primarily of Grenache, with Mourvèdre making up a significant portion.

In addition to this red wine, the winery also produces a white Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Although this wine receives far less attention than the red, it is part of the winery's regular production lineup.