Clos des Papes Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc 2016

The Avril family have been making wines in Châteauneuf since the beginning of the 18th century and their Clos des Papes, founded in 1896, is a benchmark for the appellation – both in its white and its red versions. The estate is spread across 24 plots encompassing rocky soils, sand, limestone and gravel, contributing to the wine’s renowned complexity. Vincent Avril has a love of white Burgundy, so works diligently to show off terroir in his wines. Hence Clos des Papes Blanc is vinified and aged in stainless steel to maintain its clarity of fruit and freshness. The wine is delicious to drink young and crisp, but will age for a decade too, developing a nutty complexity and honeysuckle richness. Gently chill and serve with sauced white meats.