Châteauneuf-du-Pape

The Châteauneuf-du-Pape vineyard is the largest, oldest and most famous cru 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, notably under the influence of John XXII, encouraged wine production and developed the vineyards. The rigorous conditions of wine production are a constant in the history of this vineyard, and will serve as the basis for certain points of the AOC legislation. The wine of Châteauneuf-du-Pape was granted a local AOC in 1936.

With its 3,200 hectares, Châteauneuf-du-Pape is the largest appellation in the Rhône region. Between Orange and Avignon, the town of Châteauneuf-du-Pape dominates its vineyards, which stretch out at the foot of the remains of its fortress and around Sorgues. For a long time, Châteauneuf-du-Pape's reputation as a confidential winegrower began in the 18th century, but really took off in the 1930s. Thanks to the efforts of Baron Le Roy de Boiseaumarié, this region was the first to adopt strict regulations. It was on this basis that the appellations contrôlées were introduced. The vineyards occupy the former bed of the Rhône, on a terroir composed of clay, limestone and sand, most often covered with the famous "galets roulés" (rolled pebbles) carried by the river in the Quaternary period. These pebbles are renowned for storing heat during the day and releasing it to the vines at night. It is on this exceptional mistral-swept soil that the vines draw their strength and give the wine all its richness. Here, everything contributes to making exceptional wines. The appellation boasts up to 13 grape varieties, allowing winemakers to play on the particularities of each one. Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a wine for laying down, closing after one year in bottle and reopening four to five years later.

A number of great 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 Maison M. Chapoutier.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape and its red wines

Châteauneuf-du-Pape is the jewel in the crown of the wines of the Vallée du Rhône. Known the world over for its famous "galets roulés" terroirs, it produces wines with intense colors and powerful, fine and complex aromas. Rich aromas of ripe fruit, truffles, mushrooms and undergrowth dominate each wine, accompanied by the wild, spicy notes of the Provencal garrigue. The Châteauneuf du pape red wine is bursting with rich raspberry and plum flavors. It often finishes with a sweet strawberry tingle that glistens in the back of the throat from the alcohol it contains. Depending on the vintage, the final flavor can vary from sweet to savory. When it comes to food and wine pairing, Châteauneuf du Pape is one of the most versatile wine regions. The generous number of grape varieties allowed to be used in wine allows for a wide range of styles. From bold, rich and robust to soft, silky and refined.

While red wines from the Châteauneuf du pape vineyard are produced in a wide range of styles, they share the common characteristics of fresh red and black cherries, strawberry, kirsch, black pepper, black raspberry, spice and garrigue. 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 and duck to stews, braised dishes and rich seafood dishes. If you're entertaining, try the best Châteauneuf du Pape with spicy, roasted vegetable dishes like 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 don't 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 wines made here. Aside from the taste, there's also that irresistible, holy-smelling sweetness that makes Châteauneuf du pape wine unique. For wine lovers, this delicate, discreet scent is a real invitation to taste this extraordinary beverage.