A nectar that was enjoyed by the Popes: in the 14th century, the papacy was based in Avignon and Pope John XXII helped winemaking to develop, ensuring its reputation, and had a castle built on the hills above Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
The father of the AOC label
In 1923, Baron le Roy de Boiseaumarié launched the first federation for the defence of the appellation. Boundaries were drawn up, based on geology and local, fair and long-lasting practice, and were completed by 1933. Even today, the rules made before the creation of the “controlled appellations” system (in 1935) are among the most draconian of all the French wine appellations.
An exceptional region
The Châteauneuf-du-Pape region enjoys a wide range of soils, and particularly large rolled pebbles (diluvium alpin) above red clay, allowing the grapes to reach a very high degree of maturity. Well aware of the value of their heritage, the winemakers of Châteauneuf-du-Pape have committed themselves over the past few years to an approach aiming at defining and reinforcing the identity of their appellation, particularly through the different local areas and the diversity of grape varieties.
“Remarkable Taste Site”
On 15 September 2006, the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation was awarded the “Remarkable Taste Site” label (www.sitesremarquablesdugout.com). The label takes into account the qualitative aspect of a product in all its dimensions: the typical nature of the wines, protection of the environment, farming methods compatible with sustainable agriculture, and concertation with all the socio-economic players in the appellation’s five communes.
Slow Food
Through the Federation of wine producers’ syndicates, the winegrowers of Châteauneuf du Pape support the development of Slow Food in France. This international association created in 1989 promotes food which is good, clean and fair.
Key features
• Production: 100,000 hl of red and white wine (7%)
• Surface area of the wine region: 3,200 hectares (in 5 communes: Bédarrides, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Courthézon Sorgues and Orange)
• Maximum legal yield authorised: 35 hectolitres per hectare of vines
• Harvesting by hand and selective sorting of grapes
• Authorised grape varieties: Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cinsault, Muscardin, Counoise, Vaccarèse, Picpoul, Terret Noir, Clairette, Bourboulenc, Roussanne, Picardan
• Natural degree of alcohol 12.5° minimumSon of the land and the sun.
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