Les Terres de la Crau 2023 is the prestigious single-vineyard cuvée from Clos du Calvaire — produced from a single plot in the locality of La Crau, one of the most iconic and sought-after terroirs in the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation. A rare cuvée not to be missed.
The terroir of La Crau—rounded pebbles from the Alpine diluvium
La Crau is the most famous terroir in Châteauneuf-du-Pape: a plateau covered with rounded pebbles from the Alpine diluvium, these large, round stones carried by the Rhône millions of years ago and accumulated in a thick layer on the red sandy-clay soils. These pebbles play a crucial role: they store solar heat during the day and release it at night, ensuring the Grenache ripens evenly and fully, even in cool vintages. The red subsoil, rich in clay and iron, provides structure and depth. Vines 60 years old, very low yields, deep root systems. Certified organic farming.
Winemaking
Predominantly Grenache, hand-harvested into 20-kg crates, vinified in concrete tanks on native yeasts, aged in large oak casks. The philosophy of Clos du Calvaire is the same for all its wines: to let the terroir and the old vines speak for themselves, without artifice or embellishment.
Tasting Notes
Color: deep, dark garnet with violet highlights.
Nose: blackberry jam, stewed black fruits, sweet spices, pepper, garrigue, a light hint of cocoa.
Palate: full-bodied, generous, with fine-grained, silky tannins characteristic of Grenache from old vines grown on pebbles. Lovely freshness preserved on the finish, with a long, spicy aftertaste.
Serving: at 17°C; open 1 hour before serving. Peak drinking window: 2028–2035.
Food and Wine Pairings
Roasted Sisteron lamb, leg of lamb with Provençal herbs, grilled rib of beef, Provençal stew, game (wild boar, venison), aged cheeses (Comté, Ossau-Iraty). The richness and complexity of Terres de la Crau make it a great wine for fine dining.
Discover the other vintages from Clos du Calvaire: the Père Pape 2023 (97/100 RVF), the 2023 red (2★ Hachette 2026), and our selection of organic Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
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