Clos Des Papes
Clos Des Papes

Clos Des Papes

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Clos des Papes is one of the historic references of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation, in the heart of the southern Rhône Valley. Run by Paul-Vincent Avril, elected Winemaker of the Year 2026, the estate relies on a demanding vision of the profession, based on the blending of terroirs and grape varieties as the ultimate expression of the appellation. The vineyard, spread across the whole of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, covers approximately 35 hectares and combines rolled pebbles, clays, sands and limestone.

The grape varieties, dominated by Grenache but marked by a high proportion of Mourvèdre, give the wines structure, freshness and great ageing potential. Clos des Papes produces a single cuvée, both in red and white, recognised for its consistency and depth.

Iconic vintages: Clos des Papes 1990, Clos des Papes 2001, Clos des Papes 2006, Clos des Papes 2007, Clos des Papes 2010, Clos des Papes 2011 and Clos des Papes 2016.

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History and identity of Clos des Papes

Clos des Papes occupies a central place in the qualitative history of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation. Whilst the origins of the estate date back to the beginning of the 20th century, its modern identity was forged under the impetus of the Avril family, whose commitment has profoundly marked the local wine landscape. From the post-war period, Paul Avril actively contributed to the recognition and structuring of the appellation, defending a vision founded on rigour, consistency and respect for terroirs.

Today, the estate is managed by Paul-Vincent Avril, named Winemaker of the Year 2026, who embodies the continuity of this exacting standard with an approach that is both faithful to the family heritage and fully adapted to contemporary challenges. His vision rests on a strong conviction: Châteauneuf-du-Pape is above all a wine of terroir and grape variety assemblage. This philosophy translates into the deliberate choice to produce a single cuvée, in both red and white, without segmentation or quest for range effect, in order to deliver a global and coherent expression of the appellation.

Terroir and viticultural environment of Clos Des Papes

The vineyard of Clos des Papes extends over approximately 35 hectares, with nearly 10% dedicated to white wines, spread across twenty-four parcels covering all the major sectors of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. This scattered location allows the estate to benefit from the geological diversity of the appellation, combining rounded pebbles resting on red clays, sandy soils, limestone zones and cooler terroirs.

The grape variety composition reflects this quest for balance: approximately 55% Grenache, a deliberately measured proportion, 30% Mourvèdre, the estate's structuring grape variety, complemented by Syrah and other traditional grape varieties. Mourvèdre plays an essential role in the freshness and longevity of the wines, whilst the estate pays increasing attention to grape varieties such as Counoise and Cinsault, replanted to preserve finesse and balance in the face of climate evolution.

The Mediterranean climate, regulated by the mistral, promotes homogeneous ripening of the grapes and limits disease pressure, allowing precise and minimally interventionist viticulture.

Production philosophy and wine style of Clos Des Papes 

The management of the vineyard is guided by constant rigour, with each decision oriented towards quality rather than yield. Yields are deliberately contained, with a target of approximately 25 hectolitres per hectare, with some years significantly below this. Severe sorting is carried out in the vineyard, and the estate has never resorted to selling wine in bulk.

The harvest prioritises polyphenolic ripeness in order to obtain silky tannins and a balanced structure, even when natural alcohol levels are high. Vinifications are conducted without artifice, respecting the fruit and natural balances. Élevages are deliberately short and carried out in old foudres, without new oak, in order to preserve aromatic brilliance and terroir readability.

The style of Clos des Papes wines is characterised by remarkable depth, an ample yet controlled texture, and an aromatic palette blending ripe black fruits, spices, garrigue notes and mineral nuances. Despite sometimes high alcohol levels, the wines retain a freshness and elegance that constitute the estate's signature.

Ageing potential and recognition

The wines of Clos des Papes have high ageing potential, allowing them to evolve harmoniously for twenty years and more in great vintages. With time, they gain in complexity, depth and refinement, revealing a structured dimension, without ever losing their balance.

Critical recognition has been constant for several decades, praising the estate's consistency, the precision of its ripeness decisions and the accuracy of its élevages. This faithfulness to a personal style, free from trends, gives the wines a strong and lasting identity within the Rhône landscape.

Perspective within the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation

Within Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Clos des Papes stands as one of the estates that have shaped the qualitative image of the appellation. It naturally dialogues with other major references such as Château Rayas, renowned for its singular interpretation of Grenache, Domaine de la Janasse, emblematic, Domaine de Beaucastel, famous for the diversity of its grape varieties, and Domaine de la Vieille Julienne. Through its rigorous approach, its assured classicism and the consistency of its style, Clos des Papes fully contributes to the renown of Châteauneuf-du-Pape as one of the great red wine terroirs of the Rhône Valley.

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