Clos Saint-Jean – The Power of Grenache, the Finesse of La Crau
An iconic estate of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, uniting power, elegance, and authenticity on the legendary soils of La Crau.
A Century-Old Family Heritage
Founded in 1900, Clos Saint-Jean stands among the historic names of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Today, brothers Vincent and Pascal Maurel manage the estate, built on an exceptional heritage of old-vine Grenache planted on the famed rolled pebbles of La Crau. The estate’s signature blends Rhône tradition with modern precision, producing wines of rare intensity — radiant, refined, and remarkably drinkable.
Terroir & Grape Varieties
Clos Saint-Jean’s parcels are mainly located on the La Crau plateau, a warm terroir of rolled pebbles over red clay and sand. These soils give the wines structure, depth, and density. Varied exposures bring balance to ripening and allow for multiple expressions of Grenache.
| Founded | 1900 |
| Management | Vincent & Pascal Maurel |
| Key terroir | La Crau – rolled pebbles over red clay |
| Flagship grape | Grenache |
House Style
The wines of Clos Saint-Jean express the very essence of Grenache grown on La Crau’s pebbly soils: silky textures, ripe red and black fruits, sweet spices, garrigue nuances, and elongated finishes. A style that is both generous and precise, defined by concentration, balance, and exceptional drinkability.
Signature Cuvées
Châteauneuf-du-Pape (red)
Grenache from very old vines on the warm soils of La Crau. Dense texture, depth, and silkiness. Cellaring: 10–15 years+.
La Combe des Fous (red)
Parcel selection on rolled pebbles. Grenache-dominant, supported by Syrah and Mourvèdre. Controlled power and remarkable energy. Cellaring: 12–15 years+.
Deus Ex Machina (red)
Grenache with Mourvèdre. Mixed aging to create vertical architecture and impressive length. Cellaring: 15–20 years.
Sanctus Sanctorum (red)
A micro-parcel cuvée, often 100% Grenache, from the heart of La Crau. Extreme refinement, velvety texture, and unique depth. Cellaring: 15–20 years.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc
Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, Clairette, and Bourboulenc grown on limestone soils with cooler exposures. Tense, saline, and expressive white. Cellaring: 4–8 years.
In Summary
Clos Saint-Jean embodies the radiant power of Châteauneuf-du-Pape through a lens of remarkable precision. The Maurel brothers craft deep, expressive wines where the strength of Grenache meets the elegance of La Crau’s terroir, resulting in some of the most coveted cuvées of the appellation.