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France • Southern Rhône Valley • Châteauneuf-du-Pape • High-altitude Grenache • Galet Roulé & Limestone Terroirs
Clos du Mont-Olivet – The Most Authentic Expression of Châteauneuf-du-Pape
A historic family estate, Clos du Mont-Olivet produces sun-drenched, elegant and deeply traditional Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines, shaped by high-altitude Grenache, galet roulé soils and limestone subsoils, all in a timelessly classical style.
A Family Estate at the Heart of Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Founded in the 19th century and passed down through several generations, Clos du Mont-Olivet is one of the emblematic estates of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Managed today by the Sabon family, the domaine embodies a faithful, traditional interpretation of the appellation: rich southern wines that remain elegant, pure and finely balanced.
The estate’s twenty hectares are divided among several of the appellation’s key terroirs, forming a mosaic of soils that naturally enhances complexity.
Terroirs & Grapes – The Power of Galet Roulé, the Freshness of Limestone
Clos du Mont-Olivet draws on some of the appellation’s most iconic terroirs:
- Galet roulé (quaternary pebbles): ripeness, warmth, concentration.
- Red clay: depth, colour, density.
- Limestone subsoils: tension, freshness, verticality.
The traditional southern Rhône grape varieties include:
Reds
- Grenache (dominant) – amplitude, silkiness, aromatic intensity.
- Syrah – structure, gentle spice, colour.
- Mourvèdre – verticality, noble tannins, depth.
- Cinsault, Vaccarèse – finesse, freshness, lift.
Whites
- Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, Clairette, Bourboulenc, Picpoul: complementary grapes that produce vibrant, saline and aromatic whites, both refined and luminous.
Viticulture & Winemaking – Tradition, Precision, Sincerity
The Sabon family practices careful, sustainable viticulture:
- 100% manual harvest,
- rigorous sorting in the vineyard,
- soil preservation and controlled cover crops,
- minimal intervention to preserve each parcel’s character.
Winemaking preserves the purity of the fruit:
- natural fermentations in concrete or stainless-steel tanks,
- gentle extraction tailored to each plot,
- long ageing in foudres, tanks or demi-muids,
- very limited use of new oak, a hallmark of traditional Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
This approach preserves the wines’ freshness, balance and depth without heaviness or overt oak influence.
Wine Style
Reds – Sun-drenched, elegant, deeply southern
The red wines are defined by:
- ripe red and black fruit,
- garrigue, dried herbs, sweet spice,
- silky yet structured tannins,
- a saline finish bringing freshness and tension.
Ageing potential: 8 to 20 years depending on vintage and cuvée.
Whites – Rhône freshness and mouthwatering minerality
The whites display:
- white flowers, ripe citrus, stone fruits,
- delicate texture,
- gentle minerality,
- a balance between generosity and tension.
Ageing potential: 3 to 12 years.
Key Cuvées
| Cuvée | Type | Style & Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Clos du Mont-Olivet Red | Châteauneuf-du-Pape Red | The estate’s flagship wine. A traditional Châteauneuf-du-Pape: ample yet precise, driven by Grenache and the minerality of galet roulé soils. A sunny, harmonious and beautifully balanced style. |
| Clos du Mont-Olivet White | Châteauneuf-du-Pape White | A vibrant, floral and racy white. Lemon zest, white flowers, aromatic clarity and a mouthwatering finish. A rare and elegant interpretation of Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc. |
| Vieilles Vignes | Châteauneuf-du-Pape Red | From century-old vines. Deep, concentrated and structured, with remarkable complexity and extended ageing potential. A noble, authentic expression of old-vine Grenache. |
Conclusion
Clos du Mont-Olivet represents the most sincere soul of Châteauneuf-du-Pape: sun-filled yet balanced wines, powerful yet elegant, shaped by tradition and elevated by the precision of the Sabon family. An essential estate for lovers of great southern Rhône wines that remain authentic and deeply rooted in their terroir.
