The Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation, emblematic of the Rhône Valley, is best known for its red wines, but also includes some great white wines. Located in the southern part of the Rhône Valley, it is well known and much appreciated by oenophiles. Over time, it has built up a fine reputation, which today explains the prices at which bottles from this appellation can be found, a guarantee of the high quality of the wine.

An iconic appellation rich in French vineyard history

The history of the appellation dates back to the residence of the Popes in Avignon. It was they, in the 14th century, who first revealed and then popularized Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine, notably Pope Clement V, the first Pope in Avignon. In view of the richness of the terroir and the finesse of the resulting wines, he had it elevated to the rank of “Vin du Pape”, which greatly contributed to its growth and international renown. Châteauneuf-du-Pape winemakers were soon shipping barrels of their wine across Europe, to Italy, Germany and Great Britain. Later, in the 18th century, this trade continued in bottle form. The appellation was not institutionalized until the 19th century, when the region’s winegrowers decided to review the appellation system in force at the time. After much hard work, it was under the leadership of Baron Le Roy that the appellation decree was published on May 15, 1936, making Châteauneuf-du-Pape France’s 1st AOC.

The wine of thirteen varieties

The vines of Châteauneuf-du-Pape enjoy an exceptional terroir. Situated at an altitude of 120 meters, close to the Rhône river, the climate is hot and dry, cooled only by the Mistral wind, which blows throughout the year. The soil, rich in red clay, allows the vines to root deeply, while the pebbles on the surface ensure perfect ripening of the berries thanks to the heat stored during the day and released to the vines at night. Finally, AOC Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a land of blends. Traditionally, wines are made from thirteen grape varieties, each contributing its own characteristic to the whole: color, structure, fragrance, freshness or longevity. These thirteen grape varieties can be used to make red wines, which account for 94% of production, as well as white wines. We find grenache, syrah, mourvèdre, cinsault, clairette, vaccarèse, bourboulenc, roussanne, counoise, muscardin, picpoul, picardan and terret noir.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2014

The 2014 vintage of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation is very mixed in terms of reputation. A cool year, this vintage is less fleshy than its predecessors and successors, and its acidity places it closer to Burgundy wines than to southern crus. Surprising and atypical, it is nonetheless a great wine that not only gives great pleasure on tasting, but will also delight the taste buds for many years to come, thanks to its remarkable ageing potential.