AdVini : 01/03/2022 - PR - CLOS DE L'ORATOIRE DES PAPES - THE VINTAGE 2020

Press release - February 2022

Clos de l'Oratoire des Papes red 2020

THE VINTAGE THAT WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN

'There has certainly been no lack of puns made with regards to the 2020 vintage which was hailed as the vintage of a winemaker (with 20-20 pronounced as vin-vin in French). Not only will this year go down in the history of our society, it has also left an imprint on the vineyards themselves.'

Edouard Guérin

THE QUINTESSENCE OF CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE'S 4 TERROIRS

The Clos de l'Oratoire des Papes red is made from a blend of Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault and Mourvèdre planted in the four soils of Châteauneuf-du-Pape: rolled pebbles, red sandstone, limestone fragments and safer. This cuvée is brought to life in our cellars which are situated within the Priory building. These vinification premises are devoted solely to the vinification and aging of this cuvée and are fitted with 11 truncated French oak vats with a 75hl and 100hl capacity. Co-fermentation is opted for during vinification in order to best reveal the impact of these four terroirs which are unique to the appellation. The wines are then aged for 12 months in truncated vats. The Clos de l'Oratoire des Papes red promises purity of fruit, silky smooth tannins and depth of character.

FINESSE IN ITS PUREST FORM

The winter of 2020 saw historically mild temperatures which resulted in bud burst 10 days earlier than usual. These vineyards, which we could say are protected by the Popes, were spared the damaging frosts and gave us a high quality and plentiful harvest. Flowering went smoothly and the first days of summer gave the vine some well deserved rest thanks to the warm days and cool nights. The Mistral winds had been very discreet in the earlier part of the year but made an appearance during summer thereby helping to tame the intense heat, much to the relief of the winemakers.

'The 2020 vintage gave us a Clos de l'Oratoire des Papes red with a level of depth and aromatic finesse that can only be achieved in well- balanced vintages such as this one.' - Edouard Guérin

The harvests began on the 25 September and were punctuated with several stormy spells. The autumnal temperatures enabled the grapes to ripen slowly, an indication of finesse in the wines to come, and gave the stalks the time they needed to ripen. The 2020 vintage gave us a remarkably elegant Clos de l'Oratoire des Papes red with exceptional depth and all the characteristics of its terroir.

Press release - February 2022

THE EXPRESSION OF THE 2020 VINTAGE

The Clos de l'Oratoire des Papes 2020 displays a beautifully deep cherry red hue. The subtle and delicate nose offers the purest expression of the terroirs with notes of fresh red fruits that give an impression of richness complemented by complex floral notes and a touch of hay. In its youth it displays a delicately spicy and peppery character which evolves towards more complex notes of fruit and spice over time. The palate reveals a fine and delicate structure underpinned by notes of crushed raspberries, redcurrant, blueberry and licorice intertwined with floral aromas.

The Clos de l'Oratoire des Papes red 2020 will truly come into its own when served alongside a lamb tajine, dry aged beef or feathered game.

As of 2022 this vintage is already drinking beautifully and is ideally served at around 16°C. It will benefit from being decanted 3 to 4 hours prior to serving in order to allow its aromas to fully develop. It can be kept in the cellar for a further 10 to 15 years.

ABOUT CLOS DE L'ORATOIRE DES PAPES

The Priory lies in lush green surroundings at the entrance to Châteauneuf-du-Pape. This truly unique building houses the vinification and aging cellars used to produce the fine wines of Clos de l'Oratoire des Papes. Its history dates back to the year 1880 when Edouard Amouroux was bequeathed by marriage a beautiful vine parcel situated within a Clos. The Clos des Oratoriens was born, named after the oratory located just beneath the parcel in question. In 1926 his son Léonce Amouroux created the Maison Amouroux and decided to rename his 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. The Clos de l'Oratoire des Papes is now one of the appellation's most iconic wines with a bottle label that has remained unchanged since its creation. It represents the purest expression of the Châteauneuf- du-Pape terroir. The vine is cultivated using practices that respect the soils and the environment so as to ensure well nourished, healthy soils in which the vine can thrive. Edouard Guérin uses his passion and savoir-faire in the vineyards and cellars to produce living, breathing wines with unrivaled depth, structure and strength of character.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION	PRESS CONTACT
Points of sale: e-boutique, wine retailers, hotels and	François Miquel
restaurants	General Manager at Clos de l'Oratoire des Papes
Available: March 2022	[e-mail]
Website: closdeloratoiredespapes.com