In the 14th century, the Popes built a residence in Châteauneuf, far from the drama of the court of Avignon. Pope John XXII built the fortress of which today only the ruins remain. Besotted with Châteauneuf wine, the Pope developed the vineyard and ensured its reputation was kept alive - as did his six successors. With the following centuries came a reinforcement of papal viticulture and 1929 saw the official emergence of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC. The appellation enjoys diversity in terms of soil and land, made up of staggered plateaux and terraces where one of the geological defining characteristics is the presence of large smooth pebbles that trap the heat of the sun in the day, releasing it at night. This phenomenon ensures grapes reach a high stage of maturity. Châteauneuf-du-Pape whites are rich and fruity with great vivacity. Their colour ranges from a pale greenish-yellow to a rich golden shade. In their younger stages, their nose is characterised by a floral bouquet. Over the years, they develop aromas of dried fruits and toasted almonds.