The Châteauneuf du Pape Clos de l'Oratoire des Papes Blanc di Maison OgierChâteauneuf du Pape Clos de l'Oratoire des Papes Blanc is an iconic wine of the denomination; the estate was acquired in 2000 by Maison Ogier, another historic maison founded in 1859. The grapes that make up this Chateauneuf de Pape are Grenache blanc, Clairette, and Roussane each at 30%, and Bourboulenc for the remaining 10%; all the vines rest on characteristic limestone soils. For three of the varieties, fermentation takes place in new 300-liter barrels and is preceded by a 6-hour maceration on the skins. For the Roussanne grape, pressing is carried out in a pneumatic press, followed by fermentation in stainless steel tanks, at a controlled temperature between 18 and 19°C.

CHATEÂUNEUF DE PAPE CLOS DE L'ORATOIRE DES PAPES BLANC: TASTING

The Châteauneuf du Pape Clos de l'Oratoire des Papes Blanc di Maison OgierChâteauneuf du Pape Clos de l'Oratoire des Papes Blanc appears straw yellow with golden hues. On the nose, it is intense and strongly mineral, with notes of white peach, pear brandy, licorice, and wildflowers; on the palate, it is fresh and at the same time round, savory and flavorful with hints of spices, white pepper, and tea. A powerful and elegant wine, it pairs well with dishes of similar weight, for example, a bean soup with black cabbage, mushrooms, and mussels.