Delighted to recently welcome back to Ballymaloe, Paul-Vincent Avril, Clos des Papes, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Southern Rhone. Clos des Papes needs little introduction in Ireland – his brother-in-law is Bill Kelly of Kellys Hotel Rosslare, and indeed, Clos des Papes needs little introduction in the world of wine, being much enjoyed by people who enjoy good wine, along with great reviews, including respected wine writers, Jancis Robinson MW here where she is writing about the 2010 vintage in the Rhone, and Mary Dowey here (Mary is a renowned expert on this part of France – Southern Rhone and Provence, and her blog is well worth following www.provencefoodandwine.com Clos des Papes also were awarded in 2007 ‘Wine of the Year’ by Wine Spectator and Producer of the Year 2010 by Le Grand Guide des Vin de France – Brettane & Desseauve.
