An emblematic reference of the appellation, the Clos des Papes 2022, Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC, embodies Southern elegance at its peak. Under the stewardship of the Avril family, custodians of know-how passed down since 1896, this cuvée is born from a mosaic of vineyard parcels that reflect the stony soul of the Southern Rhône. The 2022 vintage, sunlit and perfectly controlled, reveals a wine of grand style, both broad and finely honed, where Grenache's natural generosity is married to a nervy freshness that lengthens the structure. Hand-picked grapes, meticulous sorting, indigenous yeasts, full destemming and parcel-led vinifications compose a craftsman’s score. The 18-month ageing in old oak foudres, chosen to preserve fruit brightness and terroir transparency, delivers a satin texture and unobtrusive depth. The aromatic range evokes dark fruits and garrigue, while the palate, almost velvety in feel, unfolds a luminous energy. Praised by international critics, this 2022 will charm both the discerning collector and the gastronome seeking a precise, refined red with excellent table presence.

Blend and winemaking

Built around a majority of Grenache complemented by Mourvèdre, Syrah and a touch of the appellation's historic varieties, the Clos des Papes 2022 sits in the purest Châteauneuf-du-Pape tradition. The grapes, picked at optimal maturity and hand-sorted, are fully destemmed before fermentation. The exclusive use of indigenous yeasts preserves the aromatic identity and the site’s signature. Vinifications are conducted by parcel to respect the unique character of each terroir, then lots are blended with meticulous precision to balance fruit, structure and length. The 18 months ageing in old oak foudres provides breath and harmony without imprinting overt oak. The result: a silky texture, polished tannins and a carefully contained depth, serving a clear expression of the vintage and the terroir.

Tasting notes

• Appearance : deep and clear, with sustained brilliance, revealing fine legs that betray concentrated fruit without heaviness.
• Nose : a complex bouquet intertwining black cherry, fresh blackberry and blackcurrant, accented by dried thyme, crushed flowers, peony and lilac. Notes of lavender, redcurrant, blueberry and fennel open with aeration, underpinned by a thread of sweet spices, liquorice and a hint of menthol that underscores the freshness.
• Palate : generous then lifted on attack, with a silky texture that reveals an extremely fine tannin grain. Freshness energises the mid-palate, bright acidity carries the fruit and stretches the long, spicy, almost ethereal finish. A masterful balance between contained power and aromatic precision, destined for a very fine development.

Serving temperature and advice

Serve this Châteauneuf-du-Pape between 16 and 18°C in large glasses that enhance aromatic breadth. When young, decanting for 1 to 2 hours magnifies fruit purity and softens tannic weave. The 2022 can be enjoyed now for its vibrant grace, but will reveal further dimensions after a few years of cellaring. Its cellaring potential exceeds 20 years, with a predicted peak from 2030 for those who prefer more integrated textures. Store bottles away from light, with stable humidity and temperature to preserve the freshness and complexity that make this critic-acclaimed cuvée noble.

Food pairings

• Aperitifs : artisan charcuterie, black tapenade, puff pastries with garrigue herbs.
• Starters : porcini velouté, delicate game terrine, lightly spiced hand-cut beef tartare.
• Main courses : roasted rack of lamb with reduced jus, spice-roasted pigeon, Provençal daube with orange zest and black olives.
• Cheeses : aged comté, salers, firm sheep’s milk tomme, served at cellar temperature.
• Desserts : spiced pears poached in wine, thin tart of dark berries with low sugar, high-percentage dark chocolate.

Occasions

The Clos des Papes 2022 is the ideal companion:

• To mark a special occasion with a Southern Rhône signature recognised by connoisseurs.
• At a gastronomic dinner where precise pairings enhance textures and spices.
• As a collector's gift for an informed enthusiast, destined for long-term cellaring.

Details

• Name : Clos des Papes 2022
• Appellation : Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC
• Type : Red wine
• Vintage : 2022
• Grape varieties : Grenache majority, complemented by Mourvèdre, Syrah and other authorised varieties
• Alcohol : not disclosed
• Ageing : 18 months in old oak foudres
• Bottle volume : not disclosed
• Cellaring : 20 years and more
• Serving temperature : 16–18°C