Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Located in the Vaucluse region between Avignon and Orange, Châteauneuf-du-Pape was home to popes until 1377. All that is left of the “new pope’s castle” overlooking the village are its remains. The village is best known as home of the legendary southern Rhône wine appellation. Châteauneuf-du-Pape was one of the first AOCs in France to be classified in 1936 and covers 3,200 hectares. Lying on the right bank of the Rhône, it borders the appellations of Gigondas and Vacqueyras.
The vines are often head-trained in the gobelet style and the vineyards traditionally planted with different grapes, producing wines made from up to 13 varieties. Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cinsault, Muscadin, Vaccarèse, Counoise and Terret Noir can be used the red, and, Picpoul, Clairette, Roussane, Bourboulenc and Picardan for white Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Various soil types can be found, such as galet roulés or rolled pebbles – Châteauneuf’s most famous terroir – as well as fragmented limestone, sand and clay, producing wines with character. The reds show notes of black fruit and the whites have a floral and tropical fruit nose. Obvious names to keep on your watchlist are Château Rayas (Emmanuel Reynaud), Château de Beaucastel (run by the Perrin family), Domaine Pégau, Henri Bonneau and Clos des Papes. But also look out for more reasonably priced names, like Guigal, Clos du Mont Olivet, André Brunel and Charvin.
