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Clos des Papes
From Paris to Tokyo, wine lovers know this name. Clos des Papes of the Avril family has been counted amongst the most celebrated estates in Châteauneuf-du-Pape since 1896 – with wines that French presidents have already served. Vincent Avril today leads the 32-hectare, organically certified property and deliberately produces only one red and one white cuvée. Where others pursue extraction, he chooses restraint.
More about Clos des Papes
The Wine of Presidents
Régis Avril supplied his wines directly to French Presidents de Gaulle and Pompidou. This presidential tradition established the legendary reputation of Clos des Papes far beyond Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Today, Paul-Vincent Avril, known as Vincent, exports his wines to 39 countries. The 2016 vintage even received 100 points from Robert Parker – a rare honour in the appellation.
Finesse in a Region of Power
In Châteauneuf-du-Pape, wines with 15% alcohol and maximum extraction often dominate. Vincent Avril takes the opposite path: finesse instead of raw power. "Elegance" is what he calls his guiding principle. Before taking over in 1988, he gained international experience at Mouton Rothschild, Mount Mary in Australia and Domaines Ott in Provence. Robert Parker describes his wines as "one of the most elegant and seamless wines in the appellation". Vincent shares this focus on restraint with few neighbours – such as Château La Nerthe, which also prioritises elegance over opulence.
Purism in Vinification
Whilst other Châteauneuf producers create prestige cuvées, Vincent sticks to just one red and one white cuvée. Since 1991, the Avrils destem completely, use exclusively old Foudres of 20 to 55 hectolitres and eschew any new oak. The Châteauneuf-du-Pape Rouge 2023 consists of 65% Grenache, 20% Mourvèdre, 10% Syrah and 5% other grape varieties from 25 different parcels. The Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc 2024 unites Clairette, Picpoul, Grenache Blanc, Roussanne and Bourboulenc.
Organic Pioneer with Historical Roots
The Avril family has lived in Châteauneuf-du-Pape since the 1700s. Great-grandfather Paul Avril was instrumental in the first AOC regulations in France – a historic contribution to the wine world. Today, Vincent manages the 32 hectares certified organic since 2010/2011. The eponymous parcel "Clos des Papes" lies directly by the ruins of the Papal Palace, surrounded by historic walls. The famous Galets (round pebbles) store heat during the day and release it to the vines at night. Extreme attention to detail is evident even in the corks: they have come from the same Portuguese producer since 1926. Alongside the grand cuvées, the estate also produces Le Petit Vin d'Avril – a more accessible entry point for everyday drinking.