| Region of production: | Châteauneuf-du-Pape |
| Winery Location: | Châteauneuf-du-Pape |
| Year Established: | 1900 |
Vineyard Holdings
Approximately 44 ha
Top Wines Produced
- Châteauneuf du Pape (Blanc and Rouge)
- La Combe des Fous: a blend of Grenache (aged in tank) with Syrah, Cinsault and Vaccarèse (aged for one year in new oak barrels)
- Deus Ex Machina: 60% Grenache (aged in tank) with 40% Mourvèdre (aged in new oak barrels); all from 100-year-old vines with yields that average 20 hl/ha
- Sanctus Sanctorum: 100-year-old Grenache vines; sold exclusively to the US market
Inaugural Vintages
- 2003 for La Combe des Fous and Deus Ex Machina; 2007 for Sanctus Sanctorum
Average Total Production
- 96,000 bottles
Summary
Clos Saint Jean is one of the biggest vineyard owners in the Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOP, with nearly 44 hectares of vines. Their holdings include old Grenache vines that average 50-60 years old. The grapes from younger vines are sold off to négociants. Their viticulture philosophies are centered on harvesting very ripe grapes; indeed, they are often one of the last producers in the region to pick. Despite large vineyard holdings, only one hectare is devoted to white grape varieties.
Style & Vinification Techniques
Historically, wines were made traditionally, with no de-stemming and aging in large, neutral foudres. After management changes in 2002, the wines have become decisively more modern, using 100% de-stemmed grapes and fermenting in concrete tanks. The Grenache remains in tank while Syrah and Mourvèdre are aged in new barrels for about a year.
Producer Website: Clos Saint Jean