🍇 A Masterclass in Terroir: L’Oratoire des Papes and a Two-Michelin Star Lunch

Last Tuesday, UKSA members were treated to an exceptional and educational journey into the heart of the Southern Rhône, thanks to the generosity of AdVini wines. The day featured a magnificent L’Oratoire des Papes Masterclass followed by an exquisite two-Michelin-starred wine-paired lunch at London’s acclaimed Trivet Restaurant.

Understanding Châteauneuf-du-Pape from the Ground Up

The day’s educational component was a brilliant horizontal tasting of Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines, expertly led by François Miquel, General Director of Maison Ogier. The focus was a fascinating study in terroir, demonstrating how minute differences in soil composition translate into dramatic flavour variations in the final wine.

The Masterclass included a flight of five outstanding red wines from the 2023 vintage:

• L'Oratoire des Papes CdP Rouge 2023: The renowned flagship wine, crafted as a classic blend primarily of Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Cinsault.

• Four Single-Soil Expressions: To isolate the impact of the soil, M. Miquel presented four 100% Grenache wines, all made using identical winemaking techniques:

  • Ogier CdP Eclats Calcaires 2023 (from fragmented limestone soils, representing 20% of the AOC)

  • Ogier CdP Safres 2023 (from fine sandstone soils, representing 15% of the AOC)

  • Ogier CdP Grès Rouge 2023 (from red sandstone soils, representing 5% of the AOC)

  • Ogier CdP Galets Roulés 2023 (from the famous rounded river stones, representing 60% of the AOC)

This unique comparison provided a rich and informative opportunity for our members to truly appreciate the incredible complexity and diversity that defines the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation.

The Art of Pairing: A Two-Star Experience

Following the Masterclass, members moved to the dining room for an excellent two-Michelin-starred lunch crafted by the team at Trivet. The menu was designed to harmonise perfectly with a selection of older and younger vintages from L’Oratoire des Papes.

The food matching featured four exceptional wines:

WineVintageColourNotesL'Oratoire des Papes2024BlancA fresh, vibrant example of the region's white wines.Les Chorégies2022BlancOffering more complexity and depth with a couple of years of age.Les Chorégies2022RougeThe younger expression of the top-tier red, full of fruit and structure.Les Chorégies2016RougeA beautifully mature example, showcasing the remarkable aging potential of Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

The combination of world-class cuisine and iconic Rhône wines ensured a sensational and unforgettable dining experience.

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We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all those who contributed to the success of this spectacular event:

• A massive thank you to AdVini wines for their generous support in providing this amazing opportunity for our members.

• Our sincere appreciation goes to François Miquel and the team at Maison Ogier / L'Oratoire des Papes for leading such a rich, insightful, and comprehensive masterclass.

• Finally, thank you to the entire team at Trivet Restaurant for the sensational service and the creation of a truly memorable two-Michelin-starred lunch.

If you’d like to attend events like this, please consider becoming a UKSA member today!