Châteauneuf du Pape, Blanc, Clos des Papes, 2010
A blend of six cépages: Bourboulenc, Picardin, Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, Marsanne and Clairette. The wine is aged in cement tank sur lie without undergoing malo and is bottled in the Spring following the vintage. A bright mid-lemon colour with a shimmering golden hue, fresh and floral with notes of limes zest fresh apricot, minerals stones and almond; whilst betraying that generous, slightly unctuous side typical of white Châteauneuf, this remains a scintillating and very moreish wine.
critic reviews
(one-quarter each clairette, grenache blanc, bourboulenc and picpoul, raised in stainless steel): Bright gold. An expressive bouquet evokes fresh citrus and orchard fruits, white flowers and minerals. Racy and precise on entry, then fleshier in the mid-palate, offering juicy orange and pear flavors braced by a hint of lemon zest. Finishes with very good grip and cut, the citrus note echoing. The malo is blocked here, Avril says,because it is critical to preserve the wine's freshness so that it can age gracefully. He recommends drinking his white Chateauneuf either young, with shellfish, or with about a decade of bottle age, with richer foods like poultry or lobster.