Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc AOC 2024

Wine Description for Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc AOC 2024 from Clos des Papes

Colour & Appearance

Luminous, pale golden yellow with crystalline clarity – a wine that already promises depth and substance in the glass.

Nose

The nose is of striking complexity and purity: clover and chamomile open the bouquet, followed by cool mint and roasted almonds. Ripe melon, pear and white peach lend the whole a juicy, almost fleshy depth, whilst citrus notes, kumquats and fine fennel seed provide freshness and aromatic tension.

Palate

On the palate, this Blanc unfolds with solid power and impressive density, yet never feels heavy. The mouthfeel is silky and full-bodied, carried by a vibrant, precise acidity – the result of deliberately forgoing malolactic fermentation. The fruit tastes impeccably pure, the texture of fascinating elegance. A wine that unites power and finesse in rare balance.

Finish

Long, mineral and of great aromatic persistence. Citrus peel and herbal spice linger – a finish that unmistakably underscores the class of a true Grand Cru.

Grape Varieties & Vinification

A cuvée of Grenache Blanc, Clairette and Roussanne (plus Bourboulenc, Picpoul and Picardan), pressed together as whole bunches and fermented in cement vats at controlled cool temperatures of 18–21 °C over four weeks. No bâtonnage, no malolactic ageing – just five months maturation in large wooden foudres. The result is a wine of crystalline purity and unadulterated terroir expression.

Special Characteristics

Paul-Vincent Avril is cellaring his 38th vintage at Clos des Papes – and the 2024 vintage represents an extreme year in terms of concentration with just 16 hl/ha (well below the already strict AOC limit of 35 hl/ha). A wine that already provides great pleasure now, yet will likely reach its full maturity only in 10 to 20 years.