FAN FAVORITES

The new wines

Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC

Discover Châteauneuf-du-Pape, an AOC that awakens palates with its richness and fascinating history. Born in the magnificent Rhone region of France, this wine is renowned for its aromatic complexity and exceptional keeping capacity. In this article, we take you into the world of these exceptional wines, from their centuries-old history to the agricultural techniques that make them unique. Whether you’re a connoisseur or a curious amateur, Châteauneuf-du-Pape promises a spellbinding experience with every tasting.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape, a wine steeped in history

Le Châteauneuf-du-Pape est un vin français profondément chargé d’histoire, dont l’origine et le développement sont intimement liés à l’histoire des Papes et de la papauté d’Avignon au XIVe siècle. Voici un aperçu de cette riche histoire :

Papal origins

The history of Châteauneuf-du-Pape really begins with the transfer of the papacy from Rome to Avignon in the early 14th century. The popes who then resided in Avignon were great wine lovers and strongly encouraged the development of viticulture in the region. The name “Châteauneuf-du-Pape” itself, meaning “new pope’s castle”, derives from the castle that Pope John XXII had built in what is today the commune of Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

Wine development

Over the centuries, the region’s wines have earned an excellent reputation for quality. This has been enhanced by continuous innovation and the adoption of viticultural practices that have perfected the quality of the wines. The appellation was one of the first to be recognized in France, officially established in 1936, which formalized its reputation and production methods.

Bottle innovation

To distinguish their wines from imitations and other wines of the region, Châteauneuf-du-Pape winemakers innovated in 1937 with the creation of a unique bottle. This distinctive bottle is embossed with the papal coat of arms, recalling the historical origin and link with the popes of Avignon.

Heritage and tradition

Today, Châteauneuf-du-Pape is famous not only for its history, but also for the complexity and quality of its wines. The appellation allows the use of thirteen different grape varieties, a unique feature that contributes to the complexity of the wines. Producers continue to honor tradition while integrating modern techniques to optimize quality.

In short, Châteauneuf-du-Pape is not just a wine, but a piece of European history that continues to evolve and impress wine lovers the world over.

Emblematic estates of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC

Châteauneuf-du-Pape, an appellation famous for its high-quality wines, is home to several iconic estates that contribute to its worldwide reputation. Here is a selection of the most renowned estates in this AOC:

1. Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe Founded in 1891, this family-run estate is known for its powerful red wines and delicate whites, reflecting the unique terroir of the La Crau plateau.

2. Château de Beaucastel Château de Beaucastel: This estate is renowned for its use of all thirteen grape varieties authorized by the appellation in the production of its red wine. Beaucastel is also a pioneer of biodynamic practices in the region.

3. Clos des Papes : Managed by the Avril family, this estate produces wines that are often cited among the best in the appellation, with a minimalist approach to winemaking to better express the terroir.

4. Le Vieux Donjon : This family-run estate produces very typical Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines, with an emphasis on Grenache for the reds and traditional winemaking methods.

5. Domaine de la Janasse Acclaimed for the quality of its wines, this estate draws on the diversity of its terroirs to create complex, beautifully balanced wines.

6. Domaine Saint-Préfert A relative newcomer compared to other historic estates, Saint-Préfert has quickly earned a reputation for its expressive, skilfully blended Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

7. Château Rayas This unique estate produces exceptionally fine, elegant wines, with a non-conformist approach to winemaking that results in highly sought-after wines.