2023 Clos des Papes

Discover the 2023 Clos des Papes Châteauneuf-du-Pape white, one of the most sought-after references of the appellation. Crafted by Domaine Paul Avril, this dry white wine embodies the precision and signature of Clos des Papes: a style that is both ripe, complex, and perfectly balanced, far from whites that are too heavy or exuberant. This cuvée comes from an original assemblage of six white grape varieties authorized in Châteauneuf-du-Pape: Grenache blanc, Clairette, Roussanne, Picpoul, Bourboulenc, and Picardan, vinified together. Grenache blanc, Roussanne, and Picardan provide structure, density, and flesh, while Clairette, Picpoul, and Bourboulenc preserve the wine’s freshness, tension, and liveliness. The terroir of Châteauneuf-du-Pape expresses itself fully in this white: Miocene soils often covered with rolled pebbles, which soak up the day’s heat and release it at night, promoting ripe grape maturity while maintaining balance. The estate practices certified organic viticulture, with limited yields and vines of about 30 years in age, guaranteeing concentration and depth. In the glass, the wine presents a beautiful golden robe with bright highlights. The nose reveals scents of honeyed lemon, quince, crushed stone, and white flowers, accompanied by delicate notes of wild anise, fennel, and broom blossom. On the palate, the attack is generous and savory, the texture is deep, and the acidity is magnificently integrated, supporting a long finish that is at once fresh, saline, and persistent. Aged about six months in stainless steel tanks on the lees, this Châteauneuf-du-Pape white favors the purity of fruit and the expression of the terroir over oak. Serve it between 11 and 13 °C to enjoy its balance, or slightly cooler at aperitif time. On pairing, this grand dry white gracefully accompanies scallops, a sauced fish, farm-friend chicken, roasted guinea fowl, a mushroom risotto, or a cheese with character. Its aromatic richness also makes it an excellent aperitif wine for a special occasion. With a potential to age of more than 15 years, even 20 years and beyond, this 2023 vintage is a fine bottle to enjoy today for its aromatic youth, or to cellar and await more complex notes of honey, candied fruits, and undergrowth.

Estimate:$7.85

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