Châteauneuf du Pape wines (21)

C9dP - the AOP Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Around the former summer residence of the seven Avignon popes, vineyards spread out that are part of France's first state appellation - the AOP Châteauneuf-du-Pape. This offers winemakers a variety of opportunities to adhere to the guidelines of the renowned appellation while vinifying a diverse range of Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines. Red wine, white wine, traditional, modern - history writes itself, the extraordinary remains.

The best wines of the southern Rhône - from Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Châteauneuf-du-Pape, also fondly referred to as C9dP in professional circles, is considered a legendary wine region in the southern Rhône Valley, producing some of the finest wines in France. It's only fitting, therefore, that it belongs to the highest quality level, the Cru. In the largest single appellation within the Côtes du Rhône, only 13 grape varieties are permitted for Châteauneuf-du-Pape red and white wines. Additionally, there are numerous regulations that dictate harvesting, facets, and cellar work. What ultimately emerges from these specifications lies in the skilled hands of the winemakers. One thing is certain: only the best wines from Châteauneuf-du-Pape make it into the cellars of wine lovers. 

Character and taste of wines from the AOP C9dP

A universal statement about the typical character of Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines cannot be made due to the diverse vinification methods. Traditionalists excel at producing robust and highly aromatic red wines filled with dark berries and balanced acidity. New interpretations often experiment with Syrah or Mourvèdre as the main variety, which brings just as much fruit and structure to the glass. Cherry, pepper, licorice, black berry fruits - each Châteauneuf-du-Pape red wine impresses with pronounced aromas that vary from parcel to parcel and cellar to cellar. Commonalities are based merely on the regulations for an AOP Châteauneuf-du-Pape, such as the alcohol content, which must be at least 12.5% Vol. - the highest in France. The so-called Garrigue, the fine spiciness from lavender, rosemary, and thyme, can also be found in many red and white wines from the approximately 3,160 hectare appellation. 

Speaking of white wine. The rare white wines from the Châteauneuf-du-Pape area shine with freshness, often adding small portions to the red wines. In their lively body, hints of apples, summer blossoms, and peach profile. The slight acidity completes the white wines, which, just like their red counterparts, only improve with age.

Guidelines for AOP Châteauneuf-du-Pape

In a decree from 1966, the winemakers agreed on regulations to ensure the high quality of the wine from the largest cultivation area in the Côtes du Rhône wine region. 

• The harvest of ripe grapes may only be done by hand.
• Unripe, sick, or damaged grapes must be removed.
• The maximum yield must not exceed 35 hl/ha.
• The vineyards must display a low density; 3,000 to 3,500 vines per hectare are mandatory. Previously, this allowed horses to move among the vines. Today, it serves solely the plant and its unhindered development.
• The wine must have at least 12.5% Vol. natural alcohol.
• The vines must be cultivated using the Goblet training method. 
• Only the 13 approved grape varieties may be used - however, in any quantity and composition.

As long as these guidelines are followed, the winemaker can carry out all other steps as desired. Two methods of winemaking have established themselves. According to long-standing tradition, powerful, tannin-rich, and structurally strong red wines are produced. Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre are the typical grape varieties for the full-bodied and correspondingly alcoholic wine, which is optimally developed with aromas of ripe red fruits and herbs. Often somewhat reserved in youth, Châteauneuf-du-Pape red wine unfolds powerful and full-bodied aromas after years, providing more depth, more fruit, and more enjoyment. 

With macération carbonique, carbonic maceration, Châteauneuf-du-Pape develops in an exceptional light and fruity manner - similar to wines from Beaujolais.

The approved grape varieties 

A total of 13 grape varieties are permitted for Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines. And although nearly 95% of the wines from the AOP Châteauneuf-du-Pape are red wines, five white grape varieties are also part of the lineup.

Red grape varieties 

• Grenache (main variety)
• Syrah
• Mourvèdre
• Counoise
• Cinsault
• Vaccarèse
• Terret Noir
• Muscardin

White grape varieties  

• Clairette
• Picpoul Blanc
• Terret Picardan
• Bourboulenc
• Roussanne

Additionally, it is allowed to use different varieties of a grape variety, such as Grenache Blanc or Rosé. 

The terroir between Avignon, Rhône, and Châteauneuf-du-Pape

The old vines are surrounded in the vineyard by thick pebbles, the galets, which bask on the clay and sandy banks of the Rhône. Although the climate provides ample warmth, the vines enjoy pleasant temperatures, particularly at night, due to the stored heat of the galets. The rain-soaked grapes are quickly dried by the Mistral wind, which sweeps through the vineyards about 130 days a year. The Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine receives a special spiciness from thyme, rosemary, and lavender that have spread around the vines. An overall diverse terroir for an equally diverse and complex wine.

The vineyard through history

Whatever the reasons for the papacy in Avignon, wine surely played its part. Why else did the first two popes, Clement V and John XXII, promote viticulture around Avignon and specifically Châteauneuf-du-Pape? New vineyards were cultivated, and winemakers from Cahors were hired. From 1309 onward, viticulture experienced an unprecedented boom, the effects of which are still evident today. Thus, the adorned bottles proudly bear the papal crown, the keys of Peter, and the inscription Châteauneuf-du-Pape Contrôle. Papal symbolism that stems from a historically significant past but has only been shaping the bottles since 1937.

The introduction of the AOC quality system

With the strengthening of viticulture, success soon followed. The wines, then still known as Vin du Pape or Vin d’Avignon, from Châteauneuf-du-Pape and the municipalities of Orange, Bédarrides, Sorgues, and Courthézon were sought after throughout Europe. Quickly, all wines of the Côtes du Rhône bore the melodious name of the small town. To better protect themselves against such practices and fraud, the winemakers agreed in 1894 on the establishment of the Syndicat Viticole. Nevertheless, the association lacked legal means to protect the name Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Until 1923, under the leadership of Baron Le Roy Boiseaumarie, the prerequisites for defining an original Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine were established in a court in Orange. The Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation was born, and numerous wine regions followed suit. The foundation for the national organization Appellation d'Origine Controlle, short AOC, now AOP.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape vintages

The recent vintages of wines from Châteauneuf-du-Pape all testify to careful work and high quality - naturally with individual strengths. We are also happy to inform you personally about the Châteauneuf-du-Pape red and white wines. Our sommeliers and knowledgeable staff are available for you or via email.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2016

Mild winter, sunny summer, ideal conditions for the grapes. A fabulous vintage that can even hold its own against the wines of the 2010 vintage. The white wines shine with wonderful freshness and a bouquet straight from the orchard. The red Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2016 wines, on the other hand, impress with their accessible aromas - intense yet complex. Raspberry and black fruits dominate alongside citrus and the characteristic Garrigue aroma in the deep taste. The silky texture of the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape red wines is complemented by a very dark color, making the experience delightful for the eye, palate, and nose alike. 

Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2017

The AOP Châteauneuf-du-Pape celebrated the 80th anniversary of the ornate bottle in 2017. However, this was not the only reason to celebrate. Because despite the early and smallest harvest in 40 years, the Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines of the 2017 vintage meet the highest quality standards. Lively and fruity, the red wines present themselves, while the white wines shine and are floral. Due to the balanced tannins, the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines possess very good aging potential. 

Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2018

The year began on the banks of the Rhône with exceptionally much rain, followed by a hot summer that contributed to the excellent quality of the grapes. While the winemakers struggled with powdery mildew in spring, the thick skins of the grapes required special attention during vinification. In the end, the red wines developed a fruity bouquet, nourished by raspberry, plum, and currant. The body impresses with balanced and velvety tannins, making it suitable for the highest enjoyment after several years of aging. The Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2018 white wines offer refreshing citrus fruit and a well-rounded drinking pleasure.

Buy Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines at VINELLO wine shipping

The exquisite wines from the world-renowned Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOP, reviewed and found good by Johannes XXII and other wine-loving popes, can be found in our wine trade in colorful and selected variety. Directly from the banks of the southern Rhône, we have brought you high-quality enjoyment red and white wines - for aging, for drinking, for delighting. Order Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines online and benefit from our service.

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