Clos de L'Oratoire

Since 2012, the Clos de L'Oratoire winery has been a Grand Cru Classé and thus one of the best in Saint-Émilion. This is thanks to none other than the visionary Stephan Graf von Neipperg and his team.

Clos de L'Oratoire covers around 13 hectares on a hill to the north-east of Saint-Émilion. The terroir there is called Fronsac molasse and consists of a sandy layer with a clay subsoil. It is the ideal basis for Merlot, which comprises a good 80% of the vineyards. There used to be small quantities of Cabernet Sauvignon, but these are history. The ideal partner for Merlot is 20% Cabernet Franc. The vines are now Vieilles Vignes with an age of over 40 years. As in all Neipperg wineries, the grapes are harvested by hand in small crates, which are double-sorted before being completely destemmed. There is no cool pre-fermentation, but vinification takes place in large, temperature-controlled wooden cuves. Depending on the vintage, maceration lasts between three and four weeks with pneumatic pigeage. The round, soft, powerful and dark-fruity Bordeaux is matured 80% in new barriques and 20% in second vintages. After 18 months on the fine lees, the Grand Cru Classé is bottled. It is a seductive wine with an outstanding price-pleasure ratio.

© Images: Clos de L'Oratoire