Clos De L’oratoire Des Papes

Founded in 1880, Clos de l’Oratoire is one of the most iconic wines from Chateauneuf-du-Pape and the Southern Rhone valley. Its story began when Edouard Amouroux was bequeathed a beautiful plot of Syrah vines within a clos, on the edge of which stood the oratory for which it is named. This oratory is dedicated to Saint Marc, patron saint of winemakers.In 1926, Edouard’s son, Leonce decided to rename the wine ‘Clos de l’Oratoire des Papes’ in memory of the Popes who, in the 14th century, built their summer palace in the hills behind what is now the village of Châteauneuf-du-Pape.Today, production is overseen by the estate’s technical director, Edouard Guerin. Utmost care is taken in the vineyards to ensure fruit of optimum quality; old vines from massal selection, natural compost from local livestock, cover crops and hedgerows to encourage biodiversity and extensive grassing, kept in check by a flock of neighbouring sheep.All grapes are had harvested, and fermentation is done only naturally with indigenous yeasts. Clos de l’Oratoire rouge is vinified by variety, but co-fermented by terroir. It undergoes regular punching down and is aged for up to 21 months in both French oak and concrete. Clos de l’Oratoire blanc undergoes whole bunch pressing following by vinification in a combination of 20% oak and 80% tulip-shaped concrete eggs.