Clos de l'Oratoire

Identity

Clos de l'Oratoire is a winegrowing estate located in Saint-Émilion, in the Gironde. It is owned by Stephan von Neipperg, his wife Sigweis, and their children. Stephan von Neipperg also manages the estate.

History and Philosophy

The estate took shape around 1960. It had previously been acquired in the mid-19th century by Mathieu Beylot, around 1860. In the 1960s, the property was purchased by Michel Boutet. The von Neipperg family acquired Clos de l'Oratoire in 1971, through Count Joseph-Hubert von Neipperg. Stephan von Neipperg took over management in 1985.

The estate has benefited from the advice of leading consultant oenologists, including Émile Peynaud (from 1952 to 1980), Rémi Cassignard (from 1981), and Stéphane Derenoncourt (from 1990).

The cellars were renovated in 1997, and the label was redesigned in 2003. Since 2020, the wines have been certified organic (Agriculture Biologique).

The Appellations

Clos de l'Oratoire produces wines under the Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée. The estate is a Grand Cru Classé, a status reaffirmed in the official INAO classification of 2012, following its initial ranking in 1969.

Practical Information

The estate is located in Saint-Émilion, 33330.

Telephone: +33 (0)5 57 24 71 33

Email: info@neipperg.com

The tasting cellar is open Monday to Friday, from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm, year-round, except in August. Visits are available by appointment. The estate welcomes groups and offers direct cellar-door sales as well as mail-order services. Languages spoken: English, French, and German.

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The Vineyard (Terroir)

The Clos de l'Oratoire vineyard covers 13.07 hectares, with vines averaging 35 years of age. The plots are situated on the north-eastern slope of Saint-Émilion, featuring clay-limestone soils and Fronsac molasse on the upper slopes, and sandy-clay soils at the foot of the hillside.

The grape varieties planted are Merlot (80%) and Cabernet Franc (20%). The estate practises soil cultivation with organic amendments, cover cropping, de-budding, suckering, leaf-thinning, and green harvesting. Planting density is 6,000 vines per hectare.

Flagship Cuvées

Clos de l'Oratoire produces a red wine showcasing a powerful, fruit-forward aromatic profile. It is distinguished by a deep purple robe. Round and supple, this wine is acclaimed for its ageing potential, showing well from its seventh year while built for extended cellaring.

Vinification and Ageing

Harvesting is carried out by hand in small crates, followed by double sorting of the grapes before and after destemming. The berries are transferred into vats by conveyor belt without crushing. Vinification takes place in temperature-controlled wooden vats. Extraction is performed by pneumatic pigeage (punching down), with maceration lasting between 22 and 30 days depending on the vintage.

Malolactic fermentation and part of the ageing take place in new oak barrels (up to 80%) on the fine lees. Total ageing typically lasts 18 months. Fining and filtration are carried out only if necessary, depending on the vintage characteristics.