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What terroirs characterize Châteauneuf-du-Pape?
The Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation benefits from an exceptional terroir, marked by a great diversity of soils and climates that directly influence the style and complexity of the wines. There are four main types of terroir that give the wines their unique identity.
1. Rolled pebbles 🏔️
This is Châteauneuf-du-Pape’s most emblematic terroir. These large pebbles come from the ancient alluvial plain of the Rhône and rest on a subsoil of red clay. They store up the sun’s heat during the day and release it at night, ensuring optimal ripening of the grapes. This soil is particularly favorable to Grenache, producing powerful, concentrated, full-bodied wines.
2. Sandy soils 🌱
Found mainly in the eastern part of the appellation, these fine sandy soils produce more elegant, fine and airy wines. They retain less heat and produce wines with softer tannins and delicate floral aromas. Grenache and Syrah express great finesse.
3. Clay-limestone soils 🏡
These soils mixclay and limestone, providing good water retention and natural drainage. They produce well-balanced wines, combining richness and freshness, with a fine tannic structure. This terroir is ideal for grape varieties such as Mourvèdre and Roussanne, which like these cooler soils.
4. Gravelly and calcareous soils ⛰️
These terroirs are located on the upper slopes of the appellation and offer perfect drainage. They produce more nervous, structured wines, often with good ageing potential. Syrah and Mourvèdre develop spicy aromas and a beautiful minerality.
Thanks to this diversity of terroirs, Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines can be powerful and opulent on pebbly soils, fine and elegant on sandy soils, or rich and complex on clay-limestone soils. It’s this variety that makes the appellation so rich and famous.
What 13 grape varieties are authorized in the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation?
The Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation is unique thanks to the diversity of its 13 authorized grape varieties, which can be used in blends in both red and white wines. This variety lends great aromatic richness and unique complexity to the appellation’s wines.
Here is the list of the 13 official grape varieties:
Red grape varieties (the majority in production) :
- Grenache Noir – Round, powerful and fruity.
- Syrah – Provides structure, color and spicy aromas.
- Mourvèdre – Adds depth, complexity and ageing potential.
- Cinsault – Brings finesse, lightness and floral notes.
- Counoise – Adds freshness and fruity aromas.
- Muscardin – Adds a floral touch and finesse.
- Terret Noir – Adds lightness and elegance to the wine.
White grape varieties (representing a small proportion of production) :
- Grenache Blanc – Adds richness and roundness.
- Clairette – Brings freshness and floral notes.
- Bourboulenc – Brings liveliness and balance.
- Roussanne – Provides structure and aromatic complexity.
- Picpoul – Adds acidity and tension.
- Picardan – Brings finesse and delicate aromas.
Although all these grape varieties are authorized, Grenache Noir remains the most dominant in red blends, while white wines mainly use Grenache Blanc, Roussanne and Clairette.
Where does the name Châteauneuf-du-Pape come from?
The name Châteauneuf-du-Pape dates back to the 14th century, when the popes settled in Avignon. Pope Clement V, a great lover of wine, encouraged the development of local vineyards. His successor, John XXII, had a summer residence built in the village then known as Châteauneuf-Calcernier, which later took the name Châteauneuf-du-Pape (“the pope’s new castle”). This historic link with the papacy has greatly contributed to the renown of the appellation’s wines, now recognized the world over for its exceptional crus.
Why the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation?
Châteauneuf-du-Pape is distinguished by its exceptional terroir, its unique blend of 13 authorized grape varieties and its rich history linked to the popes of Avignon in the 14th century. Its pebbly soil stores heat during the day and releases it at night, ensuring optimal ripening of the grapes. The appellation is also known for its strict production rules, guaranteeing wines of the highest quality. Thanks to its Mediterranean climate, its wines offer great concentration, aromatic complexity and excellent ageing potential. These characteristics make it one of the most prestigious appellations in the Rhône Valley.
What makes Châteauneuf-du-Pape so special?
What makes Châteauneuf-du-Pape so special is its unique terroir, its blend of 13 authorized grape varieties and its prestigious history. Located in the Rhône Valley, the appellation benefits from a warm Mediterranean climate and soils composed of rounded pebbles, which release the heat accumulated during the day, favoring optimal ripening of the grapes. Unlike other appellations, Châteauneuf-du-Pape allows a wide range of red and white grape varieties, enabling a wide variety of wine styles. Its history is also marked by the influence of the Avignon popes in the 14th century, who contributed to the vineyard’s development. Thanks to meticulous vinification and strict specifications, Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines are renowned for their power, aromatic complexity and excellent ageing potential.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape white wines: exceptional rarity
A Little-Known Treasure of Châteauneuf-du-Pape
While Châteauneuf-du-Pape is famous for its great red wines, its white wines remain a rare and precious treasure, accounting for only 7% of total production of the appellation. Elegant, complex and with great ageing potential, these white wines deserve the full attention of connoisseurs in search of new discoveries.
A unique blend for an incomparable signature
Like the reds, the white wines of Châteauneuf-du-Pape are made from a blend of grape varieties carefully selected for balance and depth. They mainly feature :
- Grenache Blanc Roundness and aromatic richness.
- Roussanne Offers good structure, floral notes and great ageing potential.
- Clairette Freshness and finesse, with aromas of citrus fruit and white flowers.
- Bourboulenc Contributes to the wine’s liveliness and tension.
- Picpoul Picpoul : Brings minerality and acidity.
- Picardan A rare grape variety that adds a subtle touch of elegance.
Wines with a rich and subtle aromatic palette
The white wines of Châteauneuf-du-Pape seduce with their unique unique aromatic palettecombining notes of white flowers, citrus, white-fleshed fruit and spices. and sometimes subtle hints of spice. With ageing, some develop more complex aromas of honey, dried fruit and minerality.
Great ageing potential
Unlike other Rhône whites, those from Châteauneuf-du-Pape possess exceptional longevity. exceptional longevity. Grâce à leur richesse et leur structure, ils peuvent évoluer magnifiquement en cave pendant 10 to 15 yearsor even more for the greatest vintages. Over time, their texture becomes more opulent and their aromas more profound.
The Perfect Food & Wine Pairing
Thanks to their balance between freshness and richnessthese white wines are the perfect accompaniment:
- Seafood and noble fish (scallops, sea bass, lobster)
- White meats (free-range poultry, veal with cream sauce)
- Ripened cheeses (Comté, ripened goat, sheep)
- Mediterranean dishes (truffle risotto, grilled vegetables, Provencal cuisine)
Some Reference Areas
Numerous estates produce exceptional white wines in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Among the must-see references are :
- Clos des Papes A rare, sought-after white offering superb balance.
- Château de Beaucastel An emblematic white, elegant and highly complex.
- Domaine de la Janasse A rich, aromatic white, perfect for laying down.
- Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe A fresh, opulent white with a fine mineral structure.
Conclusion: A Rare Pearl to Discover
The white wines of Châteauneuf-du-Pape are true gems, too often overlooked. With their aromatic complexity, elegance and ageing potential, they deserve a place of choice in any cellar worthy of the name. Whether for immediate enjoyment or for ageing, these wines offer an exceptional range of aromas and flavours. unforgettable sensory experience. 🍷✨
Clos des Papes : The Excellence of Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Clos des Papes is one of the most prestigious estates in Châteauneuf-du-PapeThe perfect embodiment of the elegance and power of this emblematic appellation. With a rich history and exceptional know-how, this family estate produces exceptional wines, sought after by wine lovers the world over. Today, we are delighted to offer you several rare vintages, available at property prices.
The History and Excellence of Clos des Papes
Founded in the nineteenth centurythe estate Clos des Papes is now run by Paul-Vincent Avrilrepresenting the fourth generation of winegrowers. Thanks to meticulous viticulture and a respectful approach to the terroir, the estate favors a blend of the 13 grape varieties authorized by the AOC Châteauneuf-du-Papewith a predominance of Grenacheaccompanied by Mourvèdre and Syrah.
One of the distinctive features of Clos des Papes is theabsence of parcel cuvées. L’objectif du domaine est de refléter the diversity and richness of Châteauneuf-du-Pape of Châteauneuf-du-Pape through a single cuvée per color (red and white), guaranteeing a pure and harmonious expression of the vineyard.
Our vintages available in Red
We offer several prestigious vintages of Clos des Papes redeach with its own specific characteristics and exceptional ageing potential.
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2016 A vintage of anthology! Impressively concentrated, with a fine tannic structure, aromas of black fruits and spices and remarkable freshness. A wine made for long ageing.
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2020 : An elegant vintage, accessible today. It boasts intense aromas of ripe red fruit, garrigue and black pepper, with a lovely roundness on the palate.
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2021 A wine marked by freshness and finesse. Silky tannins and aromas of red fruit and Mediterranean herbs add complexity. It will gain in depth with age.
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2022 A solar vintage, expressing the full generosity of the terroir. Rich and powerful, it offers great density with notes of black cherry, licorice and sweet spices. Perfect for laying down for several years.
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2003 : A warm, atypical vintage, offering a velvety texture and notes of jammy fruit, chocolate and leather. Ideal for lovers of evolved, complex wines.
Le Clos des Papes Blanc 2024
Clos des Papes also produces an exceptional white wine, accounting for around 10% of the estate’s production. Le millésime 2024still young, is already promising. A subtle blend of Grenache Blanc, Clairette, Roussanne, Bourboulenc and Picpoulit seduces with its perfect balance between freshness and aromatic richness. On retrouve des notes de white flowers, citrus and white-fleshed fruitsThe wine is full-bodied, with a lovely tension on the palate. An ideal wine to be enjoyed young or forgotten in the cellar to reveal its full complexity over the years.
Wines available at estate prices
We are pleased to offer you these rare Clos des Papes vintages at estate prices.A unique opportunity to enrich your cellar with some of the finest Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines. Whether you’re a lover of great reds or exceptional whites, these vintages will provide you with unforgettable tasting moments.
Don’t miss this opportunity and contact us now to reserve your bottles!
Focus on Châteauneuf du Pape 2022 and 2023 by Jeb Dunnuck
This report covers the 2022 and 2023 vintages of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The sunny, typically Provençal 2022 vintage produced ripe, expressive wines with aromas of garrigue, Provençal herbs and red fruit. Although the wines are moderately concentrated, they are already accessible, charming and should drink well over the next 10 to 12 years. Although not a grand cru, this vintage is reminiscent of years like 2009 and 2011, and is more convincing than 2011, 2013 and 2021.
The 2023 vintage is more balanced, fleshy and elegant, with darker aromas and medium to full-bodied richness. Compared with 2022, it has greater freshness and a more attractive structure. This vintage looks promising and could offer slightly greater longevity than 2022. The wines are well-balanced, with polished tannins and great purity. This vintage is often compared to 2020 and 2018, but seems to have more potential.
White wines from the Southern Rhône, mainly made from Grenache Blanc, Roussanne and Clairette, continue to stand out for their quality. The 2023s are fresh, vibrant and accessible, offering great depth while retaining remarkable purity. Although some whites may keep longer, the majority will be at their best in the next 4-6 years.
M. Chapoutier Croix de Bois from 2000 to 2020!
Wine presentation
Grape variety: 100% Grenache. Vines 110 years old on average
Terroir: Soil typical of the Châteauneuf du Pape appellation, composed of large quartzite pebbles with sandy red clay.
Harvesting: Hand-picked when ripe, with sorting. Vinification Vinification in closed concrete vats. The grapes are destemmed, and vatting lasts about 3 weeks to polymerize the tannins. Only free-run wine is then used to make this wine.
Ageing: 14 to 16 months in vats.
And most importantly Tasting
Nose: beautifully fragrant and complex, offering stunning aromas of wild flowers, violets, black cherries, loamy earth and lots of Provençal spices and herbs.
Palate: Full-bodied, rich and concentrated on the palate, but with an elegant suppleness that makes you want to pour yourself another glass.
Ageing: the wine can be kept for 25 to 40 years.
Access wines available for sale
La Vieille Julienne – Vintage 2022 – AOC Chateauneuf du Pape
Estate presentation
Domaine de la Vieille Julienne is one of those Châteauneuf-du-Pape houses with a special aura and remarkable prestige. The estate was created in the 17th century in the Clavin district, nestled at the foot of the northern slopes of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape terraces. Today, Domaine de la Vieille Julienne comprises 20 hectares of old vines. An original feature of the appellation, the entire vineyard is in one piece. The north-facing aspect of the estate’s plots is an integral part of its identity, making them highly resistant to the heat of summer. La Vieille Julienne has always belonged to the Daumen family. They work the terroirs with respect and attentiveness, practicing good farming sense.