2022 Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc Pure Clairette

There's but a single 15-hectoliter Stockinger foudre of the 2022 Chateauneuf du Pape Pure Clairette, a stupendous white CdP that kicks off with leesy, toasted-grain aromas and wends its way toward white peaches, with stops along the way at fennel and cracked white peppercorns. Medium to full-bodied, with a silky texture and ample length, this should be capable of drinking well for close to a decade.

The colour of this is deep straw with a striking pink tinge. A powerful and ripe dry white with a rich, almost oily texture, but also a lot of pink grapefruit freshness. The little hint of bitterness at the finish really accentuates the minerality. Made from 50% of the white version of clairette and 50% of clairette rose grown on sandy soil with a northern exposure. Matured in a mix of demi-muids and larger Stockinger barrels. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. Drink or hold.

The 2022 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc Pure Clairette is an equal blend of Clairette and the rare Clairette Rose. Swirling the glass unveils precise aromas of orange blossom, white peach, apricot, mango, melon, fresh ginger, discreet vanilla and a splash of verbena tea. Full-bodied, concentrated and layered, the finish is persistent. It will provide sheer drinking pleasure over the next couple of years.