Châteauneuf du Pape
Châteauneuf du Pape lies on the eastern bank of the great Rhône River, covering 7,700 acres of vineyards. Its name means “new castle of the Pope” after Pope John XXII built a summer residence in the area in 1318.
Baron le Roy, a famous local wine producer, is often credited with having pioneered France’s famous AOC system in 1923. Châteauneuf du Pape was therefore one of France’s first prestigious AOC fine wines.
The terrain encompasses a variety of soil types, of which galets (large, smooth, round stones) are the most famous. The stones reflect heat from the day onto the vines at night, assisting the glorious ripening process.
Châteauneuf du Pape produces both red and white fine-wines from 13 different grape varieties, however the main prestige varieties are Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre.
The most celebrated and reputable estates include, Château Rayas, Château de Beaucastel, Domaine de Beaurenard, Henri Bonneau, Clos des Papes, Château de la Gardine and Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe.
