In the glass
Aroma: blackcurrant, garrigue, dried violet, spice box, dark chocolate
Palate: black cherry, leather, tobacco, iron, long mineral finish
One of the most consistently praised Chateauneufs, the Paul Avril estate produces dense, structured red Chateauneuf with Grenache-led depth, Mourvedre spine, and superb ageing potential.
What it pairs with
-
Roasted saddle of lamb
Classic Chateauneuf-lamb pairing; full-bodied Grenache cuts through the richness. -
Wild mushroom tart
Earthy iron notes complement wild fungal flavours. -
Grilled beef entrecote
Dense structure and dark fruit handle rich grilled beef.
History
The Avril family has been making wine at Clos des Papes since at least 1896, farming some of the oldest vines in the appellation. Paul Avril took over in the 1970s and built the estate into one of Chateauneuf's most admired domaines. Winemaker Vincent Avril continues the traditional foudre-based approach.
- 1896 — Earliest documented production at Clos des Papes under the Avril family
- 1970 — Paul Avril takes over and focuses the domaine on quality
- 1995 — Vincent Avril joins as winemaker
Facts
- Producer
- Clos des Papes
- Grapes
- Grenache (65%), Mourvedre (20%), Syrah (10%), Muscardin (5%)
- Classification
- Chateauneuf-du-Pape AOC
- Oak
- 18 months in old foudres and demi-muids
- ABV
- 14.5%
- Price
- EUR 70-110 at retail
- Drinking window
- 5-20 from vintage
- First vintage
- 1896
- Organic
- ORGANIC CERTIFIED