Clos de l'Oratoire des Papes Les Chorégies 2018

Characteristics and tasting tips for Clos de l'Oratoire des Papes "Les Chorégies" 2018

Tasting

Colour
The wine displays a delicate, deep purple hue, enhanced by subtle bluish highlights.

Nose
Powerful and highly elegant, the aromatic bouquet reveals great complexity. It exudes aromas of ripe and stewed fruit, harmoniously underscored by delicate floral touches and spicy notes characteristic of its terroir.

Palate
The palate offers a luxuriously velvety, silky texture. Flavours of candied fruit intertwine with spices and flowers, leading to a rich, lingering finish lifted by a noble and pleasant bitterness.

Food and wine pairing

This great red wine pairs beautifully with fine red meats such as beef fillet, cuts of lamb or duck breast. It will also elevate roast game as well as refined truffle dishes, such as a creamy purée or fresh pasta.

Serving and cellaring

To fully appreciate Clos de l'Oratoire des Papes "Les Chorégies" 2018, serve it at a temperature of 16–18°C. Decanting for 2 to 4 hours before tasting is recommended, or alternatively, open the bottle 18 to 24 hours in advance and pour off a small amount of wine to encourage aeration. Built for ageing, this wine can be cellared and will drink well until around 2033.

L'Oratoire des Papes, the authentic expression of a great Rhône terroir

The estate

Officially founded in 1926 with the registration of its famous Art Deco label, L'Oratoire des Papes is an iconic estate in the Rhône Valley. Although its family heritage dates back to 1880, the property has belonged to Maison Ogier, part of the AdVini group, since 2000. Managed by François Miquel, the estate covers 38.5 hectares. Deeply committed to the environment, with organic viticulture and trials in biodynamics, this producer strives to reveal the purity of its terroirs through cuvées of great finesse.

The vineyard

The result of a rigorous plot selection, this cuvée comes from old vines planted in the heart of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation. The terroir consists mainly of the famous "galets roulés", rounded stones that store the daytime heat and release it at night, thus promoting optimal ripeness of the berries. The vineyard enjoys a Mediterranean climate swept by the Mistral, a drying wind that naturally protects the vines from disease. The grapes are harvested exclusively by hand in order to preserve these old vines and ensure the integrity of the bunches.

Winemaking and ageing

Clos de l'Oratoire des Papes "Les Chorégies" 2018 is crafted with meticulous care in the cellar. The grapes, including a significant proportion of whole bunches, are vinified exclusively in 18-hectolitre foudres. The ageing process stands out for its exceptional length: the wine first rests for 12 months before blending, then continues to mature in bottle for a further 36 months, ensuring a seamless structure and great aromatic complexity upon release.

Grape varieties

This wine is made from a blend dominated by Grenache, complemented by Syrah and Mourvèdre.