Did you know that legendary Chateauneuf du Pape producer Clos des Papes makes two (fantastic) entry level wines, a red and a white?

This special wine is one of the Rhône Valley’s best-kept secrets—a rare, wonderfully expressive red that showcases the creativity of master winemaker Vincent Avril of Clos des Papes fame! A medium-bodied blend of Merlot, Marselan, Syrah, Grenache, and Carignan, it bursts from the glass with ripe strawberry, blackberry, and plum, accented by delicate floral notes and a subtle touch of spice. The palate is vibrant and beautifully balanced, with supple tannins, refreshing acidity, and a juicy, fruit-driven finish.

As a Vin de France (instead of a Cotes du Rhone) the wine is not beholden to the constraints of AOC regulations. The wine allows Avril to take a more unconstrained approach while still capturing the character of the Rhône terroir. It is both charming and distinctive—an easy-drinking yet serious red that offers a fascinating glimpse into Avril’s winemaking philosophy and delivers exceptional value.

This is also a non vintage wine (NV): This blend is composed of two thirds of the 2024 harvest, the last third is from the previous year and has already been aged in foudre for 1 year.