HERITAGE

Rooted in the Rhône Valley, the story of L’Oratoire des Papes begins in the 19th century with the acquisition of the first vineyard parcel in 1880. In 1897, Édouard Amouroux and Caroline Establet married in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. They raised their two sons, Léonce and Paul, among sun-drenched pebbles and rows of vines swept by the Mistral, passing on their deep attachment to this singular terroir.

On July 30, 1926, Léonce Amouroux founded L’Oratoire des Papes on his mother’s family land, under the protection of an oratory dedicated to Saint-Marc, patron saint of winegrowers and protector of the vines against the elements. The small chapel, built in the 18th century, still stands today and remains a gathering place for annual religious processions.

Yet one element has remained unchanged since 1926: its label, now one of the appellation’s most iconic signatures.

Sacred imagery permeates the design, from the papal medallion to the depiction of the Oratory of Saint-Marc, after which this iconic cuvée is named. Together, these symbols give the label its distinctive identity, bringing local history into dialogue with a more universal cultural memory.

The engraved medallion depicting Pope Benedict XIII is a bold choice. The last pontiff to reside in Avignon, he opposed Rome, which refused to recognize his legitimacy. A symbol of resistance known for challenging the established order, he embodies the tension between local power and absolute authority. Choosing this pope as an emblem challenges classicism while celebrating the unique character of the terroir.

The roots of L’Oratoire des Papes stretch back to a time when Avignon was a seat of religious power. This richly detailed composition reflects high-end craftsmanship, combining precision of execution with exacting aesthetic standards.