Winemaker Notes
This 100% Clairette is a shining example of one of the oldest grape varieties in Provence, first planted in the 14th century – which is also when the family domaine was founded.
Professional Ratings
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Vinous
The 2023 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc Pure is yet another magnificent white made by the talented Julien Barrot. Chamomile, jasmine, yellow apple, zesty lemon flesh and a touch of wet stone are all dialed up. Touching the medium- to full-bodied palate with lifting freshness, the distinctively elegant 2023 checks out with laser-like focus on the refined finish.
Barrel Sample: 93-95 -
Wine Spectator
This densely packed white balances the richness of fruit (creamed apple and melon) and stylish toastiness with bitter grapefruit acidity on a firm, mineral-rich structure. Silky in feel, with a kiss of shortbread on the firm, substantial finish, which shows good length and complexity. Clairette. Drink now through 2030.
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Jeb Dunnuck
Ripe pear, grilled peach, brioche, a kiss of minerality, and minty herbs all emerge from the 2023 Châteauneuf Du Pape Pure Blanc. It's medium-bodied, with a beautifully balanced, elegant mouthfeel, nicely integrated acidity, and outstanding length. This classy, elegant white will gain weight over the coming 2-3 years and evolve nicely over the following 10-12 years. Drink 2027-2039.
There are hundreds of white grape varieties grown throughout the world. Some are indigenous specialties capable of producing excellent single varietal wines. Each has its own distinct viticultural characteristics, as well as aroma and flavor profiles.
Famous for its full-bodied, seductive and spicy reds with flavor and aroma characteristics reminiscent of black cherry, baked raspberry, garrigue, olive tapenade, lavender and baking spice, Châteauneuf-du-Pape is the leading sub-appellation of the southern Rhône River Valley. Large pebbles resembling river rocks, called "galets" in French, dominate most of the terrain. The stones hold heat and reflect it back up to the low-lying gobelet-trained vines. Though the galets are typical, they are not prominent in every vineyard. Chateau Rayas is the most obvious deviation with very sandy soil.
According to law, eighteen grape varieties are allowed in Châteauneuf-du-Pape and most wines are blends of some mix of these. For reds, Grenache is the star player with Mourvedre and Syrah coming typically second. Others used include Cinsault, Counoise and occasionally Muscardin, Vaccarèse, Picquepoul Noir and Terret Noir.
Only about 6-7% of wine from Châteauneuf-du-Pape is white wine. Blends and single-varietal bottlings are typically based on the soft and floral Grenache Blanc but Clairette, Bourboulenc and Roussanne are grown with some significance.
The wine of Chateauneuf-du-Pape takes its name from the relocation of the papal court to Avignon. The lore says that after moving in 1309, Pope Clément V (after whom Chateau Pape-Clément in Pessac-Léognan is named) ordered that vines were planted. But it was actually his successor, John XXII, who established the vineyards. The name however, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, translated as "the pope's new castle," didn’t really stick until the 19th century.