What kind of wine is Châteauneuf-du-Pape?

Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a French wine appellation known for its bold Grenache-based red blends. Officially, the region makes both red and white wines with up to 13 different grapes.

Is Châteauneuf-du-Pape a Burgundy or Bordeaux?

Châteauneuf-du-Pape, literally translated as “the new castle of the Pope”, is nicknamed “The Bordeaux of the Rhône”. It is the southernmost appellation in Rhône – a mere fifteen-minute drive from the historic city of Avignon (pictured above).

Is Châteauneuf-du-Pape sweet or dry?

Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines tend to have slightly higher alcohol at 14% ABV. The appellation permits just a touch of residual sugar (RS), which adds body to the taste. Because Châteauneuf-du-Pape has moderately high acidity, you usually can't taste any sweetness.

What type of grape is Châteauneuf-du-Pape?

Grenache

The most important grape in the Châteauneuf-du-Pape is Grenache. However, 13 different grape varieties are allowed by AOC laws there: Cinsault, Counoise, Mourvèdre, Muscardin, Syrah, Terret noir, Vaccarèse, Grenache blanc, Bourboulenc, Clairette blanche, Picardan, Roussanne, and Picpoul.

What is Châteauneuf-du-Pape similar to?

Grenache and Syrah feature heavily in the list, but there are also some more unusual picks that should offer a similar flavour profile, such as the Spanish variety Prieto Precudo.

Is Châteauneuf-du-Pape a heavy wine?

Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines are often high in alcohol, typically 14-15.5%, and must be minimum 12.5% under the appellation rules with no chaptalization allowed.

Why is Châteauneuf-du-Pape so popular?

Medieval castles, the French countryside off the banks of the Rhône River, the exclusiveness of it's growing region and the mysteriousness of its blend makes Châteauneuf-du-Pape one of the most exciting and revered wines out there.

What’s so great about Châteauneuf-du-Pape?

Medieval castles, the French countryside off the banks of the Rhône River, the exclusiveness of it's growing region and the mysteriousness of its blend makes Châteauneuf-du-Pape one of the most exciting and revered wines out there.

When should I drink Châteauneuf-du-Pape?

Exceptional years in Châteauneuf that are drinking well now are 1978, 1989, 1990, 1998, 2001 and 2007. The best 2010s aren't ready yet, but the 2012s getting there. Another tip for those seeking less bombastic Châteauneufs is to consider less fêted years such as 2008 and 2014.

What is special about Châteauneuf-du-Pape?

Châteauneuf-du-Pape's Special Blends

Each wine growing region in France has its “thing” when it comes to winemaking. The “thing” in Châteauneuf-du-Pape is that each wine must be a blend from grapes grown in the actual commune of Châteauneuf or in one of four specific adjoining communes.

What does Châteauneuf-du-Pape mean in English?

noun. Châ·​teau·​neuf-du-Pape. shätōnœfdᵫ̅pȧp. plural -s. : a usually red wine produced in the Rhone valley north of Avignon.

Why is Châteauneuf-du-Pape so expensive?

Before 1989, not many wineries in the Chateauneuf du Pape region made a separate high-end wine. Today there are close to 100 selections and special cuvees which are produced in smaller quantities. Because of these low production volumes, these wines are sometimes tough to find, which increases the price of a bottle.

Is Châteauneuf-du-Pape a Burgundy wine?

Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a village in the Rhone Valley region, south of France, but also one of the most famous French wine appellation. Therefore, Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines are not Burgundy wines.

What does Châteauneuf-du-Pape mean in French?

pope’s new castle

Châteauneuf-du-Pape sits towards the bottom of the Rhône Valley, close to the border of Provence. The name means “pope's new castle,” and refers to a time when the seat of the Roman Catholic Church was in Avignon (between 1309–1377).

Why is it called Châteauneuf-du-Pape?

The name means “the pope's new castle" but the name does not allude to the papal palace. The town was probably already called Châteauneuf when the popes arrived. In 1893 the villagers, realizing the marketing potential of the name, added “du-Pape”. Only one tower remains intact of the summer palace.