L'Oratoire des Papes : Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2013

Characteristics and tasting tips for the Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2013 from L'Oratoire des Papes

Tasting

Appearance

Beautiful deep cherry hue.

Nose

The nose reveals remarkable aromatic complexity with notes of dried fruits (raisin, prune), cocoa bean, cigar, truffle and black pepper.

Palate

Dense and concentrated, the palate unveils a rich body with fine, elegant tannins. The dried fruit and cocoa aromas linger, accompanied by a peppery sensation that gradually intensifies. The remarkably persistent finish elegantly expresses notes of pepper and tobacco.

Food and wine pairing

This Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2013 pairs perfectly with Provençal-style braised lamb, a roasted veal chop with porcini mushroom sauce, or red meats and game.

Serving and storage

It is recommended to serve this Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2013 between 59 and 61°F. Opening the bottle approximately twelve hours before serving or decanting for several hours will allow the wine to fully reveal its aromatic complexity. This vintage can be enjoyed now and will continue to evolve favorably for several years.

A powerful and atypical Châteauneuf-du-Pape from the Rhône Valley

The estate

Founded in 1880, L'Oratoire des Papes takes its name from the oratory dedicated to Saint Mark located beneath its vineyards. In 1926, Léonce Amouroux officially registered the estate and created its iconic Art Deco label. Since 2000, the property has belonged to Maison Ogier (AdVini group) and is managed by François Miquel. Under the leadership of Édouard Guérin, technical director since 2015, the estate has been cultivating its vines using organic farming since 2008 and produces elegant wines that express the diversity of Châteauneuf-du-Pape's terroirs. The 16th-century priory, fully restored between 2014 and 2016, now houses the winemaking and aging facilities.

The vineyard

The vines of this Châteauneuf-du-Pape are planted in the commune of Courthézon, south of the village, on a terroir of remarkable geological diversity. The vineyard rests on four types of soils emblematic of the appellation: rolled pebbles that accumulate heat, safres (compacted marine sands), limestone fragments and red sandstone. This mosaic of terroirs, cultivated using organic farming, gives the wines a distinctive aromatic complexity and elegance.

The vintage

The 2013 vintage is characterized by an exceptionally cool and wet spring. Minimum temperatures were one degree lower and maximum temperatures 4.4 degrees lower than in 2012 during the months of April, May and June. These conditions caused significant coulure, particularly on Grenache, reducing yields to approximately 24 hectoliters per hectare. Summer proved more favorable with a hot July and beneficial winds. The late harvest took place in the second half of September under excellent weather conditions.

Winemaking and aging

The grapes for this Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2013 were vinified on a plot-by-plot basis. Winemaking was carried out in tulip-shaped and truncated cone-shaped concrete tanks, as well as in oak foudres. Partial aging in foudres helped refine the structure of this Rhône Valley wine while preserving the fruit expression and the freshness characteristic of this vintage.

Grape varieties

Syrah, Mourvèdre, Grenache and Cinsault.