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The History of Clos des Papes Wines

Paul Avril, a key figure in the establishment of the appellation, played a significant role in the creation of Clos des Papes wines. Back in 1896, he introduced his wines to the market under the name Clos des Papes. This marked the beginning of a legacy that would endure for generations.

Régis Avril, following in his father's footsteps, delivered these exceptional wines to two notable French presidents, General de Gaulle and Georges Pompidou. This recognition further solidified the reputation of Clos des Papes wines.

In 1963, Paul Avril's son, Paul Avril, joined the family domain. Working alongside his father initially and later with his own son for many years, Paul Avril dedicated himself to continuing the tradition of excellence.

Paul-Vincent Avril, the current steward of Clos des Papes, pursued his passion for winemaking by attending wine school in Burgundy. Returning to the domain in 1988, he brought with him a vision of finesse and elegance, which he considers to be the defining qualities of a truly exceptional wine.

The Significance of Clos des Papes

Spanning 32 hectares of land, Clos des Papes boasts an impressive variety of vineyards, including three hectares dedicated to white grape varieties. The domain encompasses 24 distinct parcels, strategically scattered throughout the town. One of these parcels, situated near the pope's castle, is uniquely enclosed by walls, giving rise to the name of the estate.

Since 2011, the vineyards have been certified "agriculture biologique," reflecting a commitment to organic practices and sustainable viticulture.

Clos des Papes takes pride in producing only one cuvée of white wine, accounting for 10% of their total production, and one cuvée of red Chateauneuf du Pape. Since 1987, the entire production has been bottled on-site, ensuring meticulous control over the winemaking process.

The cornerstone of Clos des Papes' exceptional quality lies in its pursuit of low yields. With a focus on green harvest and meticulous grape sorting during harvest, the estate consistently achieves remarkable results. In vintages like 2007, 2008, and 2009, the yield reached an impressively low 25, 17, and 19 hectoliters per hectare, respectively.

Clos des Papes is a domain that does not engage in experimental winemaking. Instead, the emphasis is placed on producing wines of unparalleled quality, meeting the expectations of both Paul Vincent Avril and discerning customers worldwide. A true testament to quality for Avril is the wine's ability to showcase its unique character across different vintages.

With approximately 80% of its production, equivalent to around 100,000 bottles, being exported, Clos des Papes has established a global presence. Even during challenging market conditions, Avril's wines continue to thrive, showcasing their enduring popularity and unwavering demand.

Experience the Elegance of Clos des Papes

At The Reserve Cellar, we invite you to explore the exceptional wines of Clos des Papes. Delight in the history, craftsmanship, and unparalleled quality that have made Clos des Papes a revered name in the world of wine. Discover the finesse and elegance that define these remarkable wines and indulge in an experience that transcends time and place.

Visit our website today to explore our curated selection of Clos des Papes wines and elevate your wine collection to new heights.