The winery
Clos des Papes
Historic estate in the Châteauneuf‑du‑Pape appellation, led by the Avril family; renowned for a single flagship Châteauneuf‑du‑Pape red and a very limited white production.
- Châteauneuf‑du‑Pape (Rodano meridionale) · France
- Since 1896
- 3 products
The story
The estate has been linked to the Avril family for generations: historical documents and accounts record the presence of the Avrils in the area as far back as earlier centuries and the start of commercialization under the name Clos des Papes around the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. In recent decades the estate has remained family-run under Paul‑Vincent Avril, who has preserved the estate's traditional approach.
Production philosophy
A pursuit of finesse and balance: careful winemaking to highlight the dispersed parcels within the appellation, hand-harvested grapes, rigorous selection and cellar practices oriented toward minimal intervention to express the character of the terroir. Production is focused on a single large red cuvée and a small percentage of white.
Terroir and vineyards
The vines are located in the heart of the Châteauneuf‑du‑Pape appellation, on fragmented parcels scattered around the commune — including the historic vineyard next to the Papal Castle. The area's characteristic soils and terroirs contribute to the wines' complexity.
Awards and recognition
Notable recognitions include placement in Wine Spectator's Top 100.
Characteristics
- Grape varieties
- Grenache
- Mourvèdre
- Syrah
- Cinsault
- Counoise
- Vaccarèse
- Muscardin
- Grenache Blanc
- Roussanne
- Clairette
- Bourboulenc
- Picpoul
- Marsanne
What makes it distinctive
- A historic and leading producer of Châteauneuf‑du‑Pape.
- A single great Châteauneuf‑du‑Pape red serves as the flagship wine; the white is produced in limited quantities.
- Certified organic management.
- Wines regularly highlighted by industry publications.
- Complex blends that draw on the many traditional varieties of the appellation.
