Clos des Papes Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2008 is a distinguished red blend from the Southern Rhône, crafted by the renowned Paul Avril family estate. This wine is predominantly made with Grenache, alongside Mourvèdre, Syrah, and a few other permitted varieties. The terroir consists of galets roulés – large rounded stones – over a clay subsoil, which stores heat and promotes even ripening of the grapes. Winemaking is traditional with a focus on minimal intervention, and the wine is aged in old foudres for about 12 months, allowing the fruit purity and terroir expression to shine. Highly praised in significant wine publications, the 2008 vintage is noted for its depth, finesse, and capacity to evolve gracefully over time, making it a staple for those who appreciate classic Rhône Valley wines.

Varietal: Grenache, Mourvèdre, Syrah, other permitted varieties

Appearance: Medium to deep garnet-red with hints of brick at the rim, indicating its maturity. The wine shows good clarity with moderate viscosity.

Nose: A nuanced bouquet of ripe red berries, plum, and black cherry, complemented by aromatic notes of Provençal herbs, lavender, and subtle hints of black pepper and anise.

Palate: The palate offers a harmonious blend of rich red fruit flavors like raspberry and red currant, intertwined with earthy undertones and a spicy character from the Syrah. It has a smooth, medium-bodied texture with well-integrated tannins and a long, evolving finish, showcasing notes of dried herbs and mineral freshness.

Ideal Pairings: Meats (game, beef, pork), cheese (aged cheeses such as Comté or Gruyère)

Harvesting Methods: Manual harvesting is employed to ensure optimal grape quality and careful selection at harvest.

Residual Sugar: <2 g/L

ABV: 14.5%

Total Acidity: 5.5 g/L

pH: 3.6

Designation: Châteauneuf-du-Pape