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

Characteristics and Tasting Tips for L'Oratoire des Papes Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2018

Tasting Notes

Appearance
The colour reveals a brilliant pale straw yellow, enhanced by delicate golden highlights.

Nose
Particularly expressive, the aromatic bouquet opens with delicious notes of pear and lychee, harmoniously rounded off by a subtle touch of vanilla.

Palate
Wonderfully generous, the palate offers a silky, intensely fruity texture. The whole is perfectly balanced by mineral tension and a refreshing hint of bitterness on the finish.

Food and Wine Pairings

This gastronomic white wine pairs beautifully with fine fish in sauce, pike quenelles or creamy poultry dishes. It will also shine alongside a seafood risotto or soft-rind cheeses.

Serving and Ageing

To fully appreciate this Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2018, it is recommended to serve it at around 12°C, after allowing it to breathe for half an hour. This vintage can be enjoyed now and will continue to develop favourably until around 2026.

Other Characteristics

This white cuvée is a rare and delicate production, crafted from the careful selection of just two plots on the estate.

L'Oratoire des Papes: Timeless Excellence in the Rhône Valley

The Estate

While the site's winemaking history dates back to 1880, it was in 1926 that the L'Oratoire des Papes brand was officially born, instantly recognisable by its iconic Art Deco label. Located in the Rhône Valley, this emblematic estate now spans 38.5 hectares. Acquired in the early 2000s by Maison Ogier, a subsidiary of the AdVini group, it is currently run by François Miquel. Combining papal heritage with a modern outlook, the estate stands out for its environmental commitment and the precision of its work across the Rhône terroirs.

The Vineyard

The grapes for this white wine come from two specific plots located within the prestigious Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation. The vines thrive on terroirs of Urgonian limestone scree and sandy soils known as safres, lending freshness and aromatic complexity to the wine. The estate favours an environmentally friendly approach, with the vast majority of the vineyard farmed according to organic principles since 2008.

The Vintage

A warm year, this modern vintage benefited from the cooling influence of the river and the slight elevation of the hillsides. These cooler nights allowed the berries to reach optimal ripeness while retaining lovely natural acidity.

Winemaking and Ageing

The grapes for this Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2018 are harvested by hand and early, to preserve the full freshness of the berries. After whole-cluster pressing and light settling, the wine undergoes four months of ageing on fine lees. This stage takes place in both new oak barrels and stainless steel tanks, combining fruit purity with a silky texture.

Grape Varieties

This blend is made up of Clairette, Bourboulenc, Grenache Blanc and Roussanne.