Paul Avril Clos des Papes is a wine producer in the Rhône Valley, making one of the most sought-after wines in the Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC. The estate is made up of 24 small plots throughout the appellation totalling 32 hectares (79 acres). All of the 13 permitted grape varieties are grown in these vineyards, although Grenache, Mourvèdre and Syrah are the most important in terms of production. Picking is spread out to ensure maximum quality, and green harvests and strict berry selection ensures a low yield. Clos des Papes takes its name from one of its plots located near the ruins of the 14th Century Papal castle. There are two main wines associated with Clos des Papes: a red and a white wine. The red accounts for 90 percent of production and typically contains 65 percent Grenache, 20 percent Mourvedre and 10 percent Syrah, with the remainder made up of the other permitted Châteauneuf-du-Pape varieties. The wine is known for its finesse and elegance, and is one of the most important wines in the AOC. The white Châteauneuf-du-Pape is made up of Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, Clairette, Bourboulenc and Picpoul, and is aged in stainless steel. Clos des Papes makes around 100,000 bottles a year, most of which is exported.

Clos des Papes is frequently namechecked as one of the more consistently excellent producers of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, and its singular rouge cuvée is a standout red of the region. Winemaker (and CNdP legend) Paul-Vincent Avril aims for no surprisesjust benchmark wine, every vintage. He achieves this using meticulous sorting of tiny yields, ensuring the best quality fruit every time. This rouge is full-bodied and velvet textured. While the blend changes slightly vintage on vintage, it generally contains percentages of Gremache, Mourvedre, Syrah, and minority other varietals. Aged in foudres, it is highly perfumed and concentrated, with rich dark fruit and herb flavours, alongside spicy nuances.