Clos des Papes Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2021

Discover the history of this fabulous estate

Domaine du Clos des Papes is one of the most prestigious estates in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Anchored in the history of the appellation for centuries, it has belonged to the Avril family since the 16th century. The estate takes its name from a historic parcel that once belonged to the Popes of Avignon. Today, Paul-Vincent Avril, representing the fourth generation, perpetuates the family heritage by producing wines of remarkable finesse and elegance.

A history steeped in tradition

The development of Clos des Papes is closely linked to the history of the Avril family. Documents attest to the presence of vines on the estate as early as the 17th century. Paul-Eugène Avril began marketing his wine under the Clos des Papes name in 1896, and registered the brand in 1902. His commitment to quality led him to participate in the creation of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC in 1936.

His son Paul Avril, after training in Burgundy, took over the estate in 1963, instilling an even greater quest for excellence. His son, Paul-Vincent Avril, returned to the domaine in 1987 after several experiences in Burgundy, at Mouton-Rothschild and in Australia. Under his leadership, Clos des Papes maintains its timeless style, based on balance and purity of terroir expression.

The Clos des Papes vineyard covers 32 hectares spread over 24 distinct plots, offering a diversity of soils and microclimates. This fragmentation enables us to blend wines of rare complexity, without any special cuvée, but with a single red and a single white wine that reflect all the richness of the appellation. Since 2010, the estate has been certified organic, with controlled yields of around 18 hl/ha.

Clos des Papes wines

Clos des Papes Châteauneuf-du-Pape Red

This wine is the epitome of the domaine’s style. A blend of Grenache (55%), Mourvèdre (30%), Syrah (10%) and secondary grape varieties (5% Counoise, Vaccarèse, Muscardin), it is vinified with total or partial destemming, depending on the vintage. Fermentation lasts between 25 and 40 days, followed by 12 to 15 months’ ageing in oak tuns with no new wood.

Clos des Papes rouge seduces with its velvety concentration and perfect balance. It reveals intense aromas of red and black fruits, garrigue, spices and licorice. On the palate, it impresses with its depth, silky texture and lingering finish. Its ageing potential is exceptional, evolving elegantly over several decades.

Clos des Papes Châteauneuf-du-Pape White

Made from six grape varieties in equal proportions (grenache blanc, clairette, roussanne, picpoul, bourboulenc and picardan), this white wine represents 10% of the domaine’s production. It is vinified in stainless steel vats and barrels, and aged on fine lees to preserve freshness and add volume.

Clos des Papes Blanc is distinguished by its minerality and tension. Its expressive bouquet reveals notes of white flowers, anise, citrus and fresh almonds. The palate is full-bodied and harmonious, with good acidity that gives it excellent ageing potential.

Le Petit Vin d’Avril

This atypical cuvée is a wine for pleasure, made mainly from the estate’s young vines. This Vin de France is a blend of typical Rhône Valley grape varieties, predominantly Grenache, complemented by Syrah and Carignan. Aged in stainless steel tanks, it has a fruity, accessible character, perfect for early drinking.

Le Petit Vin d’Avril’s fresh, gourmet character makes it an ideal alternative to the great Clos des Papes vintages, offering a glimpse of the estate’s style in a softer, more immediate register.

A commitment to excellence

Le Clos des Papes remains faithful to a traditional vision of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Paul-Vincent Avril favors balance and finesse over over-extraction, creating wines of great elegance, depth and expression. The estate’s viticultural and oenological choices are based on a philosophy of respect for terroir and nature, resulting in wines that embody the very essence of Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

Each Clos des Papes vintage is a lesson in mastery, where power meets subtlety. Whether red, white or Petit Vin d’Avril, these wines offer a unique sensory experience, captivating wine lovers the world over with their authenticity and longevity.