L'Oratoire des Papes : Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2018

Characteristics and tasting notes of L'Oratoire des Papes Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2018

Tasting notes

Appearance
The colour reveals a deep, dark ruby hue, adorned with subtle blue tints.

Nose
Wonderfully complex, the nose offers generous aromas of ripe red and black fruit, such as cherry, raspberry and blackcurrant. These are joined by elegant notes of garrigue, sweet spices, liquorice and cocoa, enhanced by a delicate smoky touch.

Palate
Concentrated and generous, the palate seduces with its velvety texture and silky tannins. A lovely freshness balances this richness, extending the wine into a long finish marked by flavours of raspberry jam and dark chocolate.

Food and wine pairings

This red wine pairs beautifully with truffled poultry, grilled or roasted red meats such as Provençal lamb, as well as Mediterranean-style stews or small feathered game.

Serving and cellaring

This Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2018 reveals its full potential after a few years in the cellar and can be enjoyed until around 2028.

The authentic expression of Châteauneuf-du-Pape's great terroirs

The estate

Founded in 1926, L'Oratoire des Papes is an iconic estate in the Rhône Valley, renowned for its Art Deco label unchanged since its founding. Spanning around 20 hectares, the estate stands out for its strong commitment to agro-ecology and its historical heritage linked to the Avignon popes. Today, the estate is owned by the Ogier company, part of the AdVini group, and is run under the direction of François Miquel. He continues to uphold the excellence of the appellation by combining winegrowing traditions with rigorous environmental practices.

The vineyard

The vineyard behind this wine spans the four great geological terroirs of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation: the famous rolled pebbles, red sandstone, safres and limestone fragments. Cultivated using agro-ecological methods, the vines benefit from natural cover cropping and fertilisation derived exclusively from animal compost. The estate also favours massale selection and pruning that respects the vine's sap flow, ensuring the longevity and balance of the vines.

Winemaking and aging

Early hand-harvesting helps preserve optimal freshness. Winemaking for the Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2018 involves long maceration periods and the co-fermentation of grapes from different terroirs. The wine is first aged for one year in thirty-year-old oak foudres, which helps soften the tannins, before a further six to eight months of ageing in concrete tanks to naturally stabilise the wine.

Grape varieties

Grenache Noir (80%), Syrah (10%), Cinsault and Mourvèdre (10%).