Châteauneuf-du-Pape

The Châteauneuf-du-Pape vineyard is the largest, oldest, and most famous wine region in the Côtes-du-Rhône. In the 14th century, the papacy, based in Avignon, chose Châteauneuf-du-Pape as its summer residence. The successive popes, particularly under the influence of John XXII, encouraged wine production and developed the vineyard. Strict wine production conditions have been a constant throughout the history of this vineyard and form the basis for certain aspects of AOC legislation. Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine was awarded a local AOC designation in 1936.

With its 3,200 hectares, Châteauneuf-du-Pape is the largest appellation in the Rhône. Between Orange and Avignon, the village of Châteauneuf-du-Pape overlooks its vineyards, which stretch out at the foot of the ruins of its fortress and all around Sorgues. Long unknown, the region's wine production began to build its reputation in the 18th century, but really came into its own in the 1930s. Thanks to the efforts of Baron Le Roy de Boiseaumarié, this region was the first to adopt very strict regulations. It was this example that led to the establishment of appellations contrôlées. The vineyard occupies the former bed of the Rhône, on a terroir composed of clay, limestone, and sand, mostly covered with the famous rounded pebbles carried by the river during the Quaternary period. These pebbles are known for storing heat during the day and releasing it to the vines at night. It is on this exceptional soil, swept by the mistral wind, that the vines draw their strength and give the wine all its richness. Here, everything contributes to making exceptional wines. The appellation has up to 13 grape varieties, allowing winemakers to play on the particularities of each one. Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine is a wine with great aging potential that closes after a year in the bottle and reopens four to five years later.

Major estates contribute to the reputation of theChâteauneuf-du-Pape terroir. These include, but are not limited to, Château de Beaucastel, Château Rayas, Château de La Gardine, Domaine Tardieu Laurent, Domaine de Beaurenard, E. Guigal, Le Clos du Caillou, Domaine de la Janasse, Clos des Papes, Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe, and the unmissable Maison M. Chapoutier.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape and its red wines

Châteauneuf-du-Pape is the true jewel in the crown of the wines of the Valley of RhôneKnown worldwide for its famous rounded pebble terroirs, it produces wines with intense colors and powerful, refined, and complex aromas. Rich aromas of ripe fruit, truffles, mushrooms, and undergrowth dominate each wine and are accompanied by spicy and wild notes from the Provençal garrigue. Châteauneuf du Pape red wine is bursting with rich flavors of raspberry and plum. The latter often ends with a tingle of sweet strawberry that shines in the back of the throat due to the alcohol it contains. Depending on the vintage, the final flavor can vary from sweet to salty. When it comes to food and wine pairings, Châteauneuf-du-Pape is one of the most versatile wine regions. The generous number of grape varieties allowed to be used in the wine allows for a wide range of styles. From bold, rich, and robust to smooth, silky, and refined.

While red wines from the Châteauneuf-du-Pape vineyard are produced in a wide range of styles, they share common characteristics of fresh red and black cherries, strawberries, kirsch, black pepper, black raspberries, spices, and garrigue. The textures can be lush, vigorous, and succulent when young, taking on silky characteristics with age.

Châteauneuf wine pairs well with just about anything, from grilled steaks, lamb, duck, stews, braised dishes, and rich seafood dishes. If you have guests, try the best Châteauneuf du Pape with spicy roasted vegetable dishes such as Moroccan chicken tagine with olives, smoked cauliflower steaks, or lamb dolma.

One of the great qualities shared by most Châteauneuf du Pape red wines is their drinkability. Most wines do not need to be aged or cellared before they can be enjoyed. A Châteauneuf wine is aged between 8 and 12 years. Some estates produce wine that can age for decades, but this is not the case for those produced in this locality. Apart from the taste, there is also the irresistible sweet smell of sanctity that makes Châteauneuf du Pape wine unique. For wine lovers, this delicate and discreet scent is a real invitation to taste this extraordinary beverage.