Châteauneuf-du-Pape

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Châteauneuf-du-Pape, a village in Provence

Every wine lover knows Chateauneuf-du-Pape. The village of Provence is famous worldwide for the quality and reputation of its wines. Chateauneuf-du-Pape is sitting on a large hill, all around rows of vines hug the gentle slopes, contours, hollows and elevations.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape is located in the Vaucluse department halfway between Avignon and Orange in the valley of the Rhone which borders its territory.

Tasting the wine and exploring the terroir justify a stop in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, visitors will find there vineyards and wineries in abundance. But the village also offers some attractions that you should not ignore.

The imposing ruins of a 14th century castle overlook Chateauneuf-du-Pape, it was erected by Pope John XXII of Avignon who used it for temporary residence. It was heavily damaged during the Wars of Religion, when the village was occupied by the Huguenots.

The corner tower and a wall were left. The recent destruction dates from the Second World War, the castle was used as a watchtower and ammunition depot for the German army. An explosion left only the façade of the tower standing. The old village has kept its old stone houses. The church, originally Romanesque, has undergone many restorations.

You may climb to the castle, the view is magnificent: upon the plain of Comtat Venaissin, Mountain of Montmirail and Mont Ventoux to the east, the valley of the Rhone, Avignon and the Alpilles in the south, the rocky heights and the scrublands of Gard Provencal on the right bank of the river.

Chateauneuf-du-Pape Wine

The fame of the wine of Châteauneuf-du-Pape comes from ancient times. The origin of the vineyard dates back to the middle ages when the popes resided in Avignon. The wine was served at the court of Louis XIV. The vineyard is strongly affected by the phylloxera epidemic in the late 19th century, it was replanted in the early 20th century, maintaining its focus on quality, served by an exceptional terroir.

What is the secret of the wine of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the most famous wines of the Côtes-du-Rhône ?

- Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines can blend several authorised grape varieties, including: Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, Cinsault, Muscardin, Counoise, Vaccarese, Picpoul, Terret Black, Clairette, Bourboulenc Roussanne, Picardan. Composition is the secret of the winemaker.

- A distinctive terroir and setting: the clay subsoil of the broad hill is covered with large pebbles deposited by the Rhône. They store the sun’s warmth during the day and release it into the soil at night.

- A tradition of excellence was established by pioneering Châteauneuf winegrowers even before the AOC was recognised in 1936. The production must not exceed 35hl per hectare, the sorting of grapes is required before the harvest is done by hand.

The annual production is 13 million bottles, the vast majority of red wine and a little white wine (about 3%).

See our List of Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine estates (fr)

The taste of red wine from Châteauneuf-du-Pape is incomparable: powerful, strong and generous, but still very balanced and deep in the mouth. It is a wine of character that ages exceptionally well.

Véraison Day in Chateauneuf-du-Pape

This is the hottest period of summer, the first weekend of August, when Chateauneuf celebrates its Wine Festival during Véraison Day. The Véraison starts a few weeks before harvest when the grapes begin to ripen: they take on colour and fill with juice. Once the grapes have been harvested, their precious juice will be transformed into wine for your table.

This crucial moment for quality of wine is now the opportunity to celebrate the Chateauneuf-du-pape wine. Of course, the wine of Châteauneuf-du-Pape is flowing, the growers, producers and merchants invite visitors to sample their precious wines, offering a chance to taste, compare and savour different vintages.

The Véraison Day combines wine and the Middle Ages: the village streets fill with processions and parades of medieval soldiers. A medieval market settles, and even a medieval ball is held in Place de la Renaissance.

Châteauneuf-du-pape in photos : slider

Information and accommodation near Châteauneuf-du-pape

Find a Bed and breakfast in Châteauneuf du pape and nearby on the portal of the B&B in Provence

Tourist office website : chateauneuf-du-pape-tourisme.fr

Sights and activities :

• Wine Festival, Véraison Day the first weekend of August
• Feast of St. Marc (Feast of winemakers) in April
• Wine Museum
• Museum of winemakers tools
• Weekly Market: Friday morning

Coming to Châteauneuf du Pape

GPS coordinates N 44°03'22'' - E 4°49'53''

Châteauneuf-du-pape location : altitude 75 metres, 2100 inhabitants, 10 km from Orange, 12 km from Avignon, 14 km from Saint-Laurent-des-Arbres, 20 km from Tavel, 26 km from Vacqueyras, 27 km from Gigondas

Explore further with my articles in the Getaways section of the Guest Houses in Provence Portal: The château of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, imprint of the popes among the vineyards.