Châteauneuf-du-Pape is one of the most famous and historic wine regions in southern France, located in the southern Rhône Valley, just north of Avignon. Here’s a concise summary:
🗺️ Overview
Location: Southern Rhône Valley, France
Appellation: AOC Châteauneuf-du-Pape (est. 1936 — one of France’s first AOCs)
Climate: Mediterranean — hot, dry summers with mistral winds; very sunny (2,800+ hours/year)
🍇 Grapes & Wine Styles
Primary Focus: Red wines (~95% of production)
Allowed Varieties: Up to 13 (or 18, depending on how you count color variants), though most wines are dominated by Grenache, with Syrah and Mourvèdre as key blending partners.
Whites: A small portion made, using Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, Clairette, Bourboulenc, and Picpoul.
🌿 Terroir
Soils: Very diverse — from galets roulés (large rounded river stones) that retain heat, to sandy, limestone, and clay soils.
Vineyards: Low-yielding, old vines adapted to heat and wind.
Altitude: Generally 100–200 meters.
🍷 Wine Characteristics
Reds: Full-bodied, rich, and powerful; often showing ripe red and black fruit, garrigue (herbal) notes, spice, and earth. Tannic structure and high alcohol (often 14–15%).
Whites: Full, aromatic, with notes of stone fruit, herbs, and honey; can age surprisingly well.
🏰 History & Name
The name Châteauneuf-du-Pape means “New Castle of the Pope.”
It dates back to the 14th century, when the Popes resided in nearby Avignon and established vineyards around their summer palace.
🍽️ Food Pairings
Pairs beautifully with hearty Mediterranean dishes: lamb, beef stew (daube), roasted game, or aged cheeses.
