What is Châteauneuf-du-Pape?
As one of the most renowned wines from the Rhône Valley in southeastern France, Châteauneuf-du-Pape is well-known as a prestigious French wine, but also for its 14th-century papal connections. If you see a papal seal adorning a bottle of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, you’ll know why.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape means ‘The Pope's new castle,’ and is true to its name. In 1308, Pope Clement V, former Archbishop of Bordeaux, moved the papacy to Avignon. He and his successors became known as ‘Avignon Popes’, who loved telling the world about Burgundy wines.
What kind of wine is Châteauneuf-du-Pape?
Ok, that’s a good story, but more importantly, what’s all the hoopla about this Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine? Well, it’s only considered one of the most cherished French wine varieties. But, if you’re guessing that Châteauneuf-du-Pap’s is a Burgundy wine, then you need to keep reading.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape’s a Rhone wine that’s typically a blend of three grapes: Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvedre (GSM), that create full-body ripe vinos with noticeably deep color. Occasionally, you’ll also find a white Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine or perhaps even a Rosé that is finally being produced.
What does Châteauneuf-du-Pape taste like?
Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine gushes with lush and plum and raspberry flavors and finish somewhere between savory and sweet, depending on the vintage. On average, they run from $30 a bottle to more than $100 a bottle. But who cares if going all out with your best lamb stew, game, or steak?!? You can’t go wrong serving a Châteauneuf-du-Pape red to woo your boss, best friends, or a new l'amour.
What is a good year for Châteauneuf-du-Pape?
What’s a good year for Châteauneuf-du-Pape, you ask? 2015 to 2016 were excellent vintages, though almost every year to date has produced a good vintage, according to many wine gurus. Châteauneuf-du-Pape’s region is well-known for wines that age exceptionally well. In a cellar for five or more years, the reds mature nicely, but waiting 10-20 years is really the reward. Whites can also age well up to only 10 years.
How is Châteauneuf-du-Pape made?
As of 2009, the Châteauneuf-du-Pape began producing 18 varieties of grapes. How they’re made into wine is truly unique, too. Following harvest and before their high-heat fermentation, the grape clusters are hardly ever destemmed. Their skins are repetitively agitated to boost color and tannin levels, giving the wine its signature dark color.
In contrast to the common winemaking customs of using small oak barrels, the Châteauneuf-du-Pape producers must use cement tanks only for the Grenache grapes, which tend to oxidize in wooden ones. The Syrah and Mourvedre go into big old wood barrels called foudres that don’t add oak notes as the typical small oak barrels (barrique) do.
Where does Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine come from?
Although many wonderful wines are produced in its nearby villages, Châteauneuf-du-Pape’s famous 100+ year-track record is hard to top, and you’ll find it’s going out on a vine to savor the real thing.
Take your pick of the 320 winegrowers producing Châteauneuf-du-Pape and buy a bottle. Or, take a trip to this legendary region for a tasting or two at Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Then, maybe drop by for a tour of the Chateau de Pape Jean XXII (Chateau du Pape) for a heavenly view blessed by many.
Want to learn more about Châteauneuf-du-Pape?
Browse our wide selection of Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine and start exploring all this category has to offer, or head to our Guide to Châteauneuf-du-Pape to learn more about the region.
