The history of Clos de l’Oratoire des Papes dates back to the 19th century, the year 1880 to be precise, when Edouard Amouroux was bequeathed by marriage a beautiful vine parcel situated within a Clos. The Clos des Oratoriens was born. It was named after the oratory located just beneath the parcel in question. Built in the 18th century, this small chapel was dedicated to Saint-Marc, patron saint of winemakers and protector of the vine against bad weather, and remains a popular destination for annual religious processions to this day.

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 label is one of the most iconic in the whole of the appellation and well known throughout the world.

Although Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines are well-known today, in particular for their great red wines (95% of the appellation) mainly from Grenache Noir varieties, connoisseurs will recognise in the white wines all the signs of a great 'terroir'. Two limestone plots at the Terroirs du Clos are kept for a wine whose uniqueness has no equal with regard to its delicacy, which will seduce palates that are seeking freshness and minerality.

This wine combines 25% Grenache Blanc, 25% Roussanne, 25% Clairette and 25% Bourboulenc grapes.

The grape juice is vinified in egg-shaped concrete vats to create gravitational movement (known as the ‘vortex phenomenon’) by ensuring that the lees remain suspended so as to increase aromatic potential. 80% of the blend is fermented in vats at between 15 and 18°C and then aged on its full lees and without malolactic fermentation. The remaining 20% of the blend is fermented in 300 litre new oak barrels and stirred gently through until December time. It is aged in cellars carved 6 metres deep into the rock. They ensure optimum and perfectly stable temperatures and humidity levels throughout the year.