AOC Châteauneuf-du-Pape

History of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vineyard

The Châteauneuf-du-Pape vineyard emerged in the 14th century, following the installation of the popes in Avignon during the reign of John XXII. Once considered the "pope's wine," Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine gained popularity in France and among the great European courts. Revitalized in the 18th century by the local aristocracy and merchant bourgeoisie, the vineyard exported part of its production via the ports of Marseille and Hamburg. Pioneers of winegrower unions, the winegrowers of Châteauneuf-du-Pape are behind the AOC (Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée) system, with Baron Pierre Le Roy de Boiseaumarié, then a winemaker at Château Fortia, becoming its first president. Today, the AOC Châteauneuf-du-Pape remains highly appreciated for its wines, which combine power and finesse, with some bottles fetching high prices such as the Château Rayas cuvée.

Climate and Terroir of the AOC Châteauneuf-du-Pape Appellation

• Climate: The climate of Châteauneuf-du-Pape is Mediterranean, characterized by significant sunshine and high temperatures in summer. Rainfall is infrequent, and the vineyard is highly exposed to the Mistral wind. With a hot, dry, arid, and windy climate, Châteauneuf-du-Pape is also one of the driest areas in the Rhône Valley.
• Soils: The terroir of Châteauneuf-du-Pape is renowned for its famous rounded pebbles, which have the particularity of storing heat during the day to release it to the vines in the evening. The subsoils are mostly composed of red clay. There are also other types of soils depending on the location, such as limestone, sandstone, or sand (as for the legendary Château Rayas).

Main Grape Varieties of the AOC Châteauneuf-du-Pape Appellation

The AOC Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation produces very limited quantities of white wines (less than 7% of production) and red wine from grape blends. The appellation has a large number of authorized grape varieties compared to other French appellations. Indeed, whether white or red, Châteauneuf-du-Pape winemakers can use up to 13 grape varieties in their blends (and use white grape varieties in their red wines, for example).

These grape varieties are:

• Grenache (black, gray, and white)
• Syrah
• Mourvèdre
• Cinsault
• Clairette (white and pink)
• Vaccarèse
• Bourboulenc
• Roussanne
• Counoise
• Muscardin
• Picpoul (white, gray, and black)
• Picardan
• Terret noir

However, while a large number of grape varieties are allowed, Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines are mainly composed of Grenache Noir, supplemented by Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Cinsault.

Grenache Noir:

An emblematic grape variety of the AOC Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Grenache is known for its roundness, warm profile, and fine tannins. It often dominates blends and imparts aromas of strawberry jam, prune, and smoke.

Syrah:

Syrah is a flagship grape variety of the Northern Rhône Valley. It is distinguished by its aromas of black fruits, pepper, and violet. It adds complexity to Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines.

Mourvèdre:

Mourvèdre is a powerful grape variety with notes of black fruits, garrigue, and black olive. It brings structure and aging potential to blends.

Cinsault:

A fresh and fruity red grape variety that brings its fruity and floral aromas as well as its suppleness to Châteauneuf-du-Pape red wines.

Style of Châteauneuf-du-Pape Wines

• Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc: The AOC Châteauneuf-du-Pape produces rare dry white wines with opulent and fine profiles. They offer aromas of white flowers, ripe fruits (apricot, pear, citrus), and a honeyed finish.

• Châteauneuf-du-Pape Rouge: Ample, rich, and complex, AOC Châteauneuf-du-Pape red wines are enjoyable both in their youth and after long aging. With notes of ripe red fruits almost jammy, garrigue, spices, and leather, it can stand up to meats in sauce while maintaining a beautiful finesse of tannins.

Best Food Pairings with Châteauneuf-du-Pape Wines

Here are the best food and wine pairings with AOC Châteauneuf-du-Pape red and white wines:

For Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc:

• Chicken with morel mushrooms
• Scallop risotto
• Salmon or trout in papillote
• Veal or seafood blanquette

For Châteauneuf-du-Pape Rouge:

• Beef daube
• Confit leg of lamb
• Coq au vin
• Game stew
• Grilled matured beef ribs

At Avenue des Vins, each bottle is selected with the utmost care and is available for delivery to your home, directly from the estate or château of your choice. Whether you choose a red or white wine from a domaine or château in AOC Châteauneuf-du-Pape, or from any other appellation in France, discover our wines at the best prices!