Rhone Valley, France
About Clos Du Mont Olivet Wines
The wines of this estate, which traces its history back to 1547, are among the finest of Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Run by the esteemed Sabon family, Clos du Mont-Olivet is made in a super-traditional style: no destemming of grapes, crushing and fermenting in concrete vats, and aging in large foudres. (No new oak is used at this no-nonsense domaine). Since 1989, the Sabons have employed neither fining nor filtration, in order to enhance the expression of rich fruit flavors and subtle terroir influences.
Making wine is a family affair at Clos du Mont Olivet, and today the three Sabon brothers -- Jean-Claude, Pierre and Bernard run the domaine, with Bernard's son Thierry gradually assuming winemaking duties. The wines are composed predominantly of Grenache (usually around 80%), with Syrah, Mourvedre and Cinsault completing the blend. The vines of this estate average over 60 years old.
The 25-hectare domaine is made up of many small parcels, spread throughout the appellation, that vary in size betwen 21 ares and 3 hectares. Montalivet is a walled vineyard to the east that surrounds the domaine and features the Sabons' oldest vines. Since 1990, these grapes have formed the basis for the deluxe "Cuvee Papet" - an amazingly concentrated and complex Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Further north, Le Pied-de-Baud contains "galets roules," the large oval rocks for which Chateauneuf-du-Pape is well-known. Although the vines here are younger, the spherical stones reflect the intense southern-Rhone sun, thereby ripening the grapes to full maturity. The third primary section of vines, located to the south, is known as Les Gallimades, a plot of smaller stones and gravel with excellent drainage.
Blending wines sourced from these three areas, the Sabons fashion complex Chateauneuf-du-Pape that combines the fruit intensity and alcoholic strength of Grenache with a slight and appealing hint of rusticity. It only makes sense that such a renowned Chateauneuf producer would also make fabulous Cotes-du-Rhone, which indeed they do; year after year, these are among the best Cotes-du-Rhone values to be found.
The Saratoga Wine exchange is pleased to offer many selections of Clos Du Mont Olivet Wines to buy online.
Clos du Mont-Olivet Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc
Clos du Mont Olivet Chateauneuf du Pape
Blend: 85% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 5% Other