Chateauneuf-du-Pape is a big classic wine from the southern Rhône Valley north of Avignon in Provence, and literally translates as the “new Castle of the Pope” and was the summer home of the Pope when based in Avignon (Palais des Papes) in the 14th Century.

The wines are big and complex, predominantly red and made from up to 13 different grape varieties  resulting in a rich and complex spicy wine which can age well. Some white wines are made from the  varieties such as Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, Bourboulenc, Clairette and Picpoul. The whites can be refreshingly crisp and are mainly for drinking young.

Chateauneuf-du-Pape wines must be bottled locally and carry the embossed coat of arms on the bottle to ensure authenticity.

The village of Chateauneuf-du-Pape (84 Vaucluse, Provence PACA) is essentially medieval with narrow streets, curving around the hillside or rising upwards between the houses. The buildings are authentic and well-restored with many wine shops.

There is an annual wine festival in August 4-6 August 2017 – see frenchduck.com

See the official Rhone Wines Website

The village was once circled by two concentric walls. The outer wall enclosed the chateau and the entire village. The inner wall enclosed the chateau and only the highest part of the village. The extensive vineyards and villages of the Côtes du Rhône are all within easy reach.

alternative vineyard Accommodation in Chateauneuf-du-Pape includes numerous hotels, B&Bs and self-catering including the imposing Chateau hotel Hostellerie du Château des Fines Roches

For Bed and Breakfast (B&B) try the Maison d’hôtes “Les Vignes” in the village, where Fabian and Chirs offer a modern, well-equipped studio, with kitchenette, air-conditioning, pool and wifi!

In the ocean of vines surrounding the ruins of the Papal palace, rising up from the Galets stones, lie the vineyards of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The ‘Clos de L’Oratoire’ is a place of prayer built in the 18th century, now an improving wine estate. An intense, perfumed and enticing array of sweet spices, brooding black fruits and sweet red cherries. Earthy, fruity, spicy and complex layers of flavour a marshalled by firm tannins into a long finish. Secret this away for ten years or drink now as the youthful fruits and juicy sweetness with roast veal or pork filets mignons.

Chateauneuf-du-Pape is about 12 miles/18 km from the city of Avignon

 Airport: Marseille Provence MRS (63 miles/105 km)

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