2022 Chateau de Vaudieu "Clairette de Gabriel" Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc

Located about a five-minute drive outside the village of Châteauneuf-du-Pape along the road that leads to Courthezon, you will find Château de Vaudieu. It is one of three 18th century Chateaux located in the appellation, tucked into a small valley surrounded by hills and plateau. It is at the intersection of several major terroirs: sandy soils to the north, pale limestone and clays centered around a forested hillock, and two large plateaux of somewhat overexposed galets. The estate had a great reputation during the 19th century from exporting wines all over Europe. In 1955, Gabriel Meffre purchased this once historic estate. At the time, there were only 25 hectares of vines, and under his leadership, the estate reached 70 hectares – something very rare in the appellation.

Today Gabriel Meffre's grandchildren, Laurent Brechet, and his brother, Julien, run this ascending Domaine. Through their mother, Sylvette, they inherited several properties when Gabriel died in 1987, including Château de la Coulerette in Provence. Since taking over the property, Laurent has continued to expand plantings, especially on the underutilized limestone terroir. He has enlisted the assistance of Philippe Cambie (2010 oenologist of the year, Robert Parker) in the winemaking, and while the wines are modern in style, they showcase their terroirs beautifully. 

Chateau de Vaudieu is 550m south from the historic and formidable Chateau Rayas. Grenache represents more than 80% of the domain, with old vines of 40 to 70 years old. The reds are made with Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. Grenache from the plot called Val de Dieu is the oldest of the Domain.

Aging: 100% of the volume is aged during 11 months in new oak barrels.

100% Clairette. Pale gold color with green highlights. Elegant notes of lemon and white flower on the nose. The palate has a nice minerality and length.

A well-crafted white, with creamed orchard fruit mixed with a bedrock of mineral energy. Richly styled yet perfectly balanced, with quinine-edged acidity keeping this focused and pure. Delivers nice details of dried chamomile and heather, ultimately showing the beauty and potential of Clairette in this region. Drink now through 2030. 162 cases made, 30 cases imported. ~95 Wine Spectator

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