The small, just about 3,100 hectare region on the left bank of the Rhone north of Avignon, today enjoys an almost legendary reputation; critics and lovers of the "wines of the popes" put them on an equal footing with the very great wines from Bordeaux or Burgundy. And yet the region has a long history, with wine cultivation since Roman times, and by the Greeks before them.
The region experienced its first heyday when the popes had to move their headquarters to exile in Avignon in the 14th century, where they energetically promoted viticulture in this part of the Rhone. The name "Chatauneuf-du-Pape" was only given to the region in the course of the 19th century. For this, the region was one of the first to receive the status of controlled provenance, veliehen, the AOC, in the 1930s.
Chateauneuf-du-Pape has a unique terroir, which differs in some respects from other terroirs on the Rhone. The soil consists of a thick layer of gravel interspersed with lime, marl or sand in varying compositions depending on the location and site. On the surface lie the famous "galets", large pebbles that store heat during the day and release it back to the vines during the night. But anyway, the climate is warm and dry, with about 2,800 hours of sunshine, and the soil is so poor that the vines have to root deeply to get the water they need. Nevertheless, some of these vines are up to 100 years old.
Thirteen grape varieties are permitted for the production of Chateauneuf-du-Pape: in addition to the varieties commonly found in southern France, Syrah, Grenache, Cinsaut or Mourvèdre, also rather unknown, autochthonous varieties such as Counoise, Terret Noir or Muscardin. At 35 hectoliters per hectare, yields are very low, but the composition of these grape varieties is not regulated. There are wines made exclusively from Grenache, for example, as well as a blend of all approved varieties.
To a lesser extent, a white Chateauneuf-du-Pape is also produced from grape varieties such as Grenache Blanc, Clairette or Bourboulenc, which can be counted among the most fascinating white wines of France.
Due to high ratings from renowned critics, the region has awakened from its slumber at the beginning of the 21st century and its wines are among the most sought-after; at home in France and also abroad, along with Bordeaux and Burgundy wines.
.
