The things you should know about Chateauneuf-du-pape || France || Wine Region

 

Introduction

The finest One of the most authentic versions of grapes, location, and vintage is Châteauneuf-du-Papes. Vineyards in Châteauneuf-du-Pape are grown organically or biodynamically; the region's plentiful sunshine and regular mistral wind virtually eliminate the need to use pesticides or herbicides to the fields. The wines are outstandingly clear, with no new oak ageing masking their flavours.

Obviously, not every Châteauneuf-du-Pape has been produced similarly. To help wine lovers better understand this region, which known Rhône vigneron Marcel Guigal once called one of the three greatest appellations in southern France (along with Côte-Rôtie and Hermitage, of the Northern Rhône), I've put together a brief history and geography lesson and a few important details

Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the largest appellation in the Rhône with over 8,000 acres under vine, exclusively produces two wines: a red wine that makes up 94% of the region's production and a white wine. Grenache makes up nearly 80% of the eight red varietals planted; it is followed in importance by Syrah, Mourvèdre, and minor amounts of Cinsault, Muscardin, Counoise, Vaccarèse, and Terret Noir. The most significant white varietals are Roussanne, Clairette, Bourboulenc, and Grenache Blanc (Picpoul and Picardin are also allowed). Before roughly 20 years ago, white Châteauneufs were mostly dull and bland; however, as winemakers began investing in technology that would better preserve freshness and aromas, the quality of these wines has since increased significantly.

The Appellation of Chateauneuf-du-pape

The area covered by the Chateauneuf du Pape appellation is 3,231 hectares. The area measures roughly 8.5 miles in length and 5 miles in width. The village of Sorgues to the south, the Rhone River to the west, the main route, the A7, to the east, and the city of Orange with its Roman ruins to the north define its borders. 13,750,000 bottles of Chateauneuf du Pape are produced annually on average in a vintage.

There were around 320 distinct growers operating in the Chateauneuf du Pape appellation in 2014. Roughly 250 make, bottle, and market their own wine. The remaining farmers sell their produce to cooperatives or negociants.

The biggest negociant/cooperative in Chateauneuf, Brotte sells around 45,000 cases of wine annually. The second-biggest domaine, Guigal, sells around 35,000 cases of wine every vintage.

In general, Chateauneuf du Pape's estates are modest. There are, nevertheless, a few quite sizable vineyards. Mont Redon, with its 100 hectares of vines, is the largest estate in the area. 30 hectares or more of vineyards are under the hands of just 24 winemakers. As you can see, modest family-owned estates make up the majority of producers.

The appellation has a total of five communes: Orange, Courthezon, Sorgues, Bedarrides, and Chateauneuf du Pape, which is the largest. Each of the five communes that make up the appellation is further subdivided into 134 distinct Lieux-Dits.

There are 3,231 hectares shared by the five communes that make up the appellation. The division of these five communes and their lieux-dits is as follows:

Chateauneuf du Pape located in the western section of the area, accounts for 53% of the appellation with 1,706 hectares of vines spread across 76 lieux-dits.

Courthezon, 20% of the appellation is made up of the 663 hectares of vines in 26 lieux-dits which is located in the northeastern part of the area.

Orange With 398 hectares of vines spread across 6 lieux-dits, located in the extreme north and western portion of the area, accounts for 12% of the appellation.

Bedarrides Situated in the southwest of the area, comprises 353 hectares of vines spread across 23 lieux-dits, accounting for 11% of the appellation.

Sorgues Situated in the extreme south of the area, comprises 128 hectares of grapes spread across three lieux-dits, accounting for 4% of the appellation.

History

The ancient Romans planted Chateauneuf du Pape's first vines. The Southern Rhone Valley is a great place to uncover historic ancient Roman remains. In reality, Orange, not far from Chateauneuf, is home to one of Europe's best-preserved examples of a Roman amphitheatre.

The Pope moved to Avignon in 1309, which is when Chateauneuf du Pape got its name. The French King and the Pope's disputes were the cause of the transfer. The Pope lived in Avignon for eight different times, and the Papacy was located in Chateauneuf du Pape until 1378.

A keen wine enthusiast, Pope Clement V was the first to make the move to Avignon. Additionally, Pope Clement V stayed at the property that is today known as Chateau Pape Clement in Pessac Leognan, Bordeaux. Naturally, the region's name, Chateauneuf du Pape, comes from the Pope's relocation to Avignon; the term literally translates to "The Pope's New Castle."

Wines of Chateauneuf-du-pape

Most of Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc wines are at their best when they are young, frash, and spicy, with a vibrant display of citrus, orange, honeysuckle, tropical fruits, as well as exotic fruit and spice notes. Rich, beautiful textures are an additional characteristic of many of these white Chateauneuf du Pape wines. Beaucastel Vieille Vignes is one of the best white Chateauneuf du Pape wines that ages for decades.

Small amounts of Vin de Paille, a sweet wine produced mostly by drying grape clusters on straw mats or racks before to fermentation, are also produced by a few estates.

While Chateauneuf du Pape's red wines are made in a vast and varied range of styles, they all have fresh red and black cherries, strawberries, kirsch, black pepper, black raspberry, spice, earth, and garrigue—a term for the region's native fresh herbs—as similarities. When the textures are young, they can be elegant, glossy, and lush; as they age, they develop silky qualities.

A wide range of drinkability is one of the best characteristics shared by most red Chateauneuf du Pape wines. Young Chateauneuf du Pape wines are often excellent. Most wines can be drunk now, without needing to be matured or cellared. It is equally significant that they are able to age and develop.

Because it complements so many modern Mediterranean-inspired foods, Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a very versatile wine when it comes to food pairing. Additionally, because many Châteauneufs don't include new oak, they may be paired with even more light fare like fish, veal, and chicken.

Beyond its food-friendly attributes, richness of flavours, expansiveness, and velvety texture, Châteauneuf-du-Pape's greatest draw is its intoxicating combination of hedonistic and intellectual aspects. That's what draws me in the most, and it certainly explains why Châteauneuf-du-Pape is becoming so popular so quickly.

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