L'Oratoire des Papes : Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2020

Tasting Notes and Recommendations for the Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2020 by L'Oratoire des Papes

Tasting Notes

Appearance
The colour reveals a beautiful garnet hue of medium depth, enhanced by subtle violet and blue reflections.

Nose
Generous and complex, the bouquet opens with aromas of ripe fruit such as burlat cherry, plum and fig. It is further enriched by floral notes, sweet spices like nutmeg, and Mediterranean touches evoking garrigue and bay leaf, all underscored by delicate hints of cocoa and tobacco.

Palate
The palate offers beautiful concentration with measured extraction, revealing silky, velvety tannins. Flavours of crushed red fruit and kirsch express themselves with great purity. Despite its power, this wine retains remarkable freshness and surprising drinkability, extending into a long finish with hints of menthol.

Food and Wine Pairings

This gastronomic red wine pairs wonderfully with full-flavoured red meats, such as tournedos Rossini or salt-crusted beef. It will also elevate truffled poultry, a sauté of wild mushrooms, spicy dishes, or a platter of matured cheeses.

Serving and Cellaring

To fully appreciate this 2020 vintage, it is recommended to serve it at a temperature of 16°C, taking care to open the bottle about an hour before tasting. With excellent ageing potential, this wine can be enjoyed now or cellared until around 2040.

The Elegance and Power of a Red Wine from the Rhône Valley

The Estate

The vineyard's history began in 1880, but it was in 1926 that the brand L'Oratoire des Papes was officially born, recognisable by its iconic Art Deco label. Located in the Rhône Valley, this historic estate is now owned by the AdVini group, under the direction of Maison Ogier. A true ambassador of Provençal excellence, the estate stands out for its deep commitment to agroecology and the preservation of its heritage, embodied by its restored priory.

The Vineyard

The vines flourish on the emblematic terroirs of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation, composed of rolled pebbles, red clay, sandy limestone and limestone fragments. Farmed organically since 2008, the estate favours a natural approach with fertilisation based on local compost, diversified cover cropping, and meticulous massal selection to preserve biodiversity and soil health.

Winemaking and Ageing

After hand-harvesting and rigorous sorting, the different grape varieties undergo co-fermentation to encourage the integration of aromas from the earliest stages. The wine is then aged patiently for about a year in old oak foudres roughly thirty years old, refining its structure while preserving the brightness of the fruit.

Grape Varieties

80% Grenache, 8% Syrah, 7% Mourvèdre, 5% Cinsault.