Domaine Clos des papes

Among the emblematic estates of the southern Rhône Valley, Domaine Clos des Papes holds a singular place. An absolute reference of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation, it embodies a demanding and timeless vision of great wine, rooted in history, finesse, and the sincere expression of terroirs. Carried forward for generations by the Avril family, Clos des Papes has established itself as a model of elegance and depth, for both its red and white wines.

The history of Clos des Papes and the Avril family

The history of Clos des Papes is deeply rooted in the long viticultural tradition of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Archives already attest to the presence of vines on these lands as early as the 17th century, at a time when the original plot belonged to the Château of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Like the entire European vineyard, the estate faced the phylloxera crisis from 1865 onward, a period during which the vines were uprooted and temporarily replaced by fruit trees—particularly cherry trees—while waiting for new grafts.

The renaissance of Clos des Papes took place at the end of the 19th century. In 1896, Paul-Eugène Avril marketed his Mourvèdre wine under the name Clos des Papes, asserting a strong and distinctive identity. The brand was registered in 1902, and estate bottling developed as early as the 1910s, at a time when this practice was still uncommon. The estate also played an active role in the creation and recognition of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation, contributing to the establishment of its rules and its prestige.

Burgundian influence and the pursuit of elegance

Clos des Papes stood out very early on for a stylistic approach that was original for the region. In 1954, Régis Avril introduced a white wine, initially intended for Mass, bringing the proportion of white varieties to nearly 10% of the vineyard—an uncommon feature in Châteauneuf-du-Pape at the time. His successor, Paul Avril, profoundly shaped the estate’s identity after training in Burgundy from 1963 onward. This Burgundian influence fostered a strong conviction: the great terroirs of the Rhône can produce wines of finesse, elegance, and balance, far removed from any pursuit of excessive power.

This philosophy was fully embraced and further developed by Paul-Vincent and later Vincent Avril, who joined the family estate in 1987. Now with more than thirty vintages of experience, Vincent Avril upholds a coherent and precise vision in which the expression of terroir takes precedence over stylistic effects. Clos des Papes thus stands out as one of the most refined signatures of the appellation.

CLOS DES PAPES 2007

100/100 : “The 2007 Châteauneuf-du-Pape by Vincent Avril offers everything one could expect from a great wine. Full-bodied, intense, and beautifully concentrated, with plenty of muscle and depth, it displays the elegance and purity that are characteristic of the estate […]”

Robert Parker

Diverse terroirs at the heart of Châteauneuf-du-Pape

The Clos des Papes vineyard spans several of the great terroirs of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, notably La Crau and Canto, offering remarkable geological diversity. Often underestimated, sandy soils play a fundamental role here, bringing finesse, freshness, and elegance to the wines, as highlighted by the 2026 Green Guide. These soils, combined with rolled pebbles and clay-limestone subsoils, allow for full ripeness while preserving balance and tension.

Certified organic for more than fifteen years, the estate favors old vines, deliberately low yields, and rigorous selection at harvest. Convinced that complexity arises from the blending of terroirs and grape varieties, Clos des Papes produces a single red cuvée and a single white cuvée, offering a faithful expression of the entire vineyard. Naturally rich in tannins, the wines are aged without new oak in order to preserve the purity of the fruit and the identity of the place.

The style of Clos des Papes wines

A benchmark estate for wine lovers and wine tourism

Through patient and meticulous work, Domaine Clos des Papes embodies an artisanal and demanding vision of great wine. Faithful to a philosophy unchanged for decades, it offers authentic, complex wines that are deeply rooted in their terroir. For knowledgeable enthusiasts as well as wine tourism aficionados, Clos des Papes is an essential destination, symbolizing an elegant, precise, and resolutely timeless expression of Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

Our selection

Clos des papes 2010

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Clos des papes 2006

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Clos des papes 2001

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