L'Oratoire des Papes : Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2012

A Châteauneuf-du-Pape from exceptional terroirs

The property

Named after the oratory located below its first plot, L’Oratoire des Papes has embodied the timeless alliance between pleasure and prestige for nearly 150 years. Revealing the purest and most contemporary expression of the four identity soils of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, these wines are recognised for their elegance well beyond borders.

The vineyard

One of the main peculiarities of Châteauneuf-du-Pape lies in the richness and diversity of its soils, stemming from three distinct geological periods. It features limestone shards, rolled pebbles, safres and red sandstones. Faithful to this diversity, the estate adopts a respectful approach to the terroir, applying the principles of organic farming in the vineyards and favouring a low-intervention winemaking in the cellar, in order to preserve the authenticity and uniqueness of the terroirs.

Vinification and ageing

Hand-harvested, the grapes are gently pressed in whole bunches using the "à la champenoise" method, allowing the extraction of juices of great purity. The vinification takes place both in concrete tulip vats and in French oak barrels. The ovoid shape of the vats promotes the maintenance of the lees in suspension without intervention, thus contributing to the development of aromas. The ageing, carried out on total lees, respects this distribution, with stirring for the wines aged in barrel.

Blend

Grenache blanc, roussanne, clairette, bourboulenc