Among the most confidential expressions of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the Clos des Papes 2017 Blanc embodies the grace of a great fine wine from the southern Rhône. From old vines rooted in the famous rolled pebbles, this rare white reveals a masterful dialogue between Mediterranean generosity and mineral freshness. The 2017 vintage, luminous and assured, delivers ample material perfectly held by a precise spine that lengthens the mouthfeel. For the lover seeking a gastronomic white with real depth, for the host who wants to mark a dinner with distinction, this cuvée offers the balance so often sought but rarely found: caressing intensity, aromatic purity, sapid length. Its signature, both discreet and irresistible, celebrates the French art of living, the one that elevates the table, sharing and the memory of a great terroir. Limited production and rigorous selection give this wine a collector’s character, without ostentation, yet with the unmistakable stamp of timeless classics.

Blend and vinification

This Châteauneuf-du-Pape white relies on the appellation’s traditional blend, where Roussanne and Grenache Blanc intertwine, complemented by other permitted varieties. The harvest is handled with care, prioritising the integrity of the fruit. Vinification is carried out in the spirit of the domaine, with a constant pursuit of balance between aromatic expression and palate energy. The ageing choices aim for purity, preserving the fruit’s brightness, the precision of noble bitters and a vibrant minerality. The result is a nuanced texture, never heavy, and a persistence that invites chef-driven cuisine.

Tasting notes

• Appearance: Pale gold with pearly highlights, clear and bright, announcing good density without excess. The legs are fine and regular, a promise of a caressing texture and a well-achieved balance.
• Nose: Floral opening on hawthorn blossom and acacia, followed by white peach, citrus zest and fresh almond. A touch of warm stone and a hint of anise bring relief and verticality, while a breath of light honey suggests the vintage’s maturity without weighing the whole down.
• Palate: Generous attack, immediately structured by a fine tension that stretches the wine. Silky substance, notes of white fruit and ripe citrus, a delicate bitterness recalling almond, long finish with saline elegance. The balance between flesh and freshness marks a refined style, made for the table.

Serving temperature and advice

Serve between 10 and 12°C in large white wine glasses to fully reveal the aromatic complexity and texture. A brief aeration, a few minutes before serving, allows the bouquet’s finesse to express itself. Store bottles away from light, at a stable temperature, to preserve freshness and precision. With a remarkable ageing potential, this wine evolves harmoniously over time, gaining depth and complexity depending on cellar conditions.

Food pairings

• Aperitifs: roasted almonds, delicate gougères, fish rillettes, citrus-based savoury bites.
• Starters: scallop carpaccio, white asparagus with mousseline sauce, delicate citrus ceviche.
• Main courses: monkfish roasted in browned butter, farm-raised poultry in a mild ginger cream, poached veal with morels.
• Cheeses: fresh goat, tender sheep cheese, young tomme, subtle pairings with a lightly aged Comté.
• Desserts: lightly sweetened thin citrus tart, poached white peach, light amandine.

Tasting occasions

Clos des Papes 2017 Blanc is the ideal companion:

• To celebrate a special dinner as the highlight of a seafood-led menu.
• During a connoisseurs' tasting where top age-worthy whites are compared.
• As a connoisseur’s gift, discreet and refined, destined for a fine evolution.

Characteristics

• Nom : Clos des Papes 2017 Blanc
• Appellation : Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC
• Type : White wine, Fine wines
• Millésime : 2017
• Cépages : Roussanne, Grenache Blanc et autres variétés autorisées
• Degré d’alcool : non communiqué
• Élevage : au domaine, détails selon millésime
• Contenance : 75 cl
• Garde : long potentiel, selon conditions de conservation
• Température de service : 10–12°C