Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc AOC 2024

A deep, rich white wine of fascinating elegance. For Paul-Vincent Avril, 2024 marked the estate's 38th vintage, and this Blanc continues the line of his great white wines: juicy, fleshy in feel, yet precisely built. Ready to drink now, with the potential to age for ten to twenty years.

Clos des Papes belongs to the Avril family, who have lived in Châteauneuf-du-Pape since the 1700s; the estate has ranked among the appellation's most celebrated addresses since 1896. Vincent Avril has farmed the 32 hectares under certified organic viticulture since 2010/2011. The plot that gives the estate its name lies by the ruins of the Popes' castle, surrounded by historic walls. The galets, rounded pebbles, store warmth during the day and release it to the vines at night.

Grenache blanc, Clairette, Roussanne, Bourboulenc, Picpoul and Picardan are co-fermented, with each variety entering fermentation successively as it reaches optimal ripeness. The yield in 2024 was 16 hl/ha, compared with an estate average of 20 hl/ha and an AOC limit of 35 hl/ha. The grapes were pressed as whole clusters and fermented for four weeks in cement tank at 18 to 21 °C. Malolactic fermentation is avoided to preserve acidity. This is followed by five months in large foudres, without bâtonnage.

On the nose, clover, chamomile and mint, followed by almonds, melon, pear and peach, and finally lemon, kumquat, zest and fennel seed. On the palate, refined power and depth, pure fruit, a silky mouthfeel, fine tension and great density. 14.0% vol., dry.

The estate deliberately produces only one red and one white cuvée. Since 1991, grapes have been fully destemmed, and ageing takes place exclusively in old foudres of 20 to 55 hectolitres, with new oak never used. Great-grandfather Paul Avril helped draft France's first AOC regulations. Even the corks have come from the same Portuguese producer since 1926.