AOC Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Chateauneuf-du-Pape, perhaps one of the most famous appellations, produces wines which are rich, spicy, full-bodied reds. The preferred grape is the Grenache which dominates plantings. Mourvedre also plays an important part, as does Syrah, for the tannin and structure it adds to the wines. White Chateauneuf-du-Pape, whilst produced, is a relative rarity.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape roughly translates to "New House of the Pope". In 1308, Pope Clement V, former Archbishop of Bordeaux, relocated the papacy to the town of Avignon. Clement V and subsequent "Avignon Popes" were said to be great lovers of Burgundy wines and did much to promote it during the 70 year duration of the Avignon Papacy.
Clement V was succeeded by John XXII who, as well as Burgundy wine, regularly drank the wines from the vineyards to the north and did much to improve viticultural practices there. Under John XXII, the wines of this area came to be known as "Vin du Pape", this term later to become Châteauneuf-du-Pape. John XXII is also responsible for erecting the famous castle which stands as a symbol for the appellation.
What grapes are in the wine
- A blend of Grenache,Syrah,Mourvèdre,Piquepoul Blanc,Terret Noir,Counoise,Brun Argente,Cinsault,Clairette,Roussanne,Bourboulenc,Picardan,Muscardin
Where the grapes are grown
AOC Châteauneuf-du-Pape is from the Rhone region