Clos des Papes
Legacy of Excellence: Family-run for generations, with Paul-Vincent Avril continuing the estate’s tradition of finesse-driven Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
Terroir Diversity: Over 20 vineyard parcels across varied soils bring depth and complexity to the wines.
Organic Farming: Certified organic since 2011, with a deep respect for vineyard health and biodiversity.
Timeless Elegance: Known for crafting wines of balance, structure, and exceptional age-worthiness, both red and white.
Clos des Papes – Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Southern Rhône
Few estates in the Rhône Valley command as much respect and reverence as Clos des Papes. This historic domaine, located in the heart of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, has been owned and run by the Avril family for generations. Today, it is guided with quiet precision by Paul-Vincent Avril, who took over from his father in 1988 and has since become one of the most celebrated figures in French wine.
The estate’s name and legacy are deeply tied to the roots of Châteauneuf-du-Pape itself, ts vineyards once served the popes who resided in nearby Avignon during the 14th century. With a commitment to tradition and purity, Clos des Papes helped shape what the appellation represents today: rich, age-worthy wines grounded in a deep sense of place.
Clos des Papes farms approximately 40 hectares, divided among more than 20 different plots scattered across the appellation. This diversity of terroirs, ranging from galets roulés (rounded river stones) to sandy soils and limestone, allows for wines of balance, complexity, and elegance. The red Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a field blend dominated by Grenache, but with meaningful proportions of Mourvèdre, Syrah, and other traditional varieties, co-fermented and aged in large old foudres to preserve nuance and finesse. The white, a rarer gem, is a blend of six grapes, and ranks among the most sophisticated whites in the Rhône, known for its texture and ageability.
Clos des Papes is not interested in short-term trends or exaggerated extraction. The approach is resolutely classical, no new oak, no overripe fruit, and no tricks. Instead, there is an unrelenting focus on balance, vineyard health, and patient cellar aging. Since 2011, the estate has been certified organic, a natural continuation of its philosophy of working in harmony with the land.
The wines are universally admired for their seamlessness and longevity. Year after year, Clos des Papes crafts Châteauneuf-du-Pape at its most refined, wines that speak softly but leave a lasting impression.