WineRegionsOld WorldFranceRhoneSouth
Chateauneuf-du-Pape is a worthy centerpiece for the Cotes du Rhone. Itis certainly the most famous wine of the Rhone as well as, one of the bestknown French wines around the world. The wine takes its name from the nowruined castle that served as the summer home of the Avignon popes in thefourteenth century. The production of Chateauneuf-du-Pape is very large,often exceeding one million cases. It's vines are widely spaced amid a seaof smooth stones. The wines are primarily red with a small amount of whiteproduced. Stylistically the wines range from very big and full to quitelight, soft and fruity. While the Grenache grape dominates most Chateauneuf-du-Papeblends, twelve other grape varieties are authorized. Wines which are classicallyvinified by serious producers, generally offer a wine with the most concentrationand aging potential. Carbonic maceration, and whole berry fermentation techniquesare used in varying degrees and obviously contribute to lighter and fruitierstyles.
Appellation was established in 1923 though the efforts of Baron Leroy
The most famous of all Rhone wines.
95 % of Chateauneuf-du-Pape is Red
Thirteen grape varieties permitted, with the Grenache dominating. The othersare: Syrah, Mourvedre, Cinsault, Counoise, Muscardin, Vaccarese, TerretNoir, Clairette, Bourboulenc, Roussanne, Picpoul, and Picardan.
The soil is poor, made up of large rolled stones.
7900 acres are planted.
Minimum alcohol is 12.5% (the highest in the Rhone).
Maximum yield is 35 ML/HA
Aging capacity - over 15-20 years for the big wines from a great year.