Côtes du Rhône Cru AOC Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Climate: Mediterranean under the influence of the Mistral wind

Soils: Rolled pebbles, clay, sandy, sandstones, limestones

Website appellation: https://www.chateauneuf.com/

Recognition in AOC by the I.N.A.O.: 1936

Communes: Bédarrides, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Courthézon, Orange, Sorgues

Bourboulenc, Brun argenté, Cinsault, Clairette, Clairette rose, Counoise, Grenache blanc, Grenache gris, Grenache noir, Mourvèdre, Muscardin, Picardan, Piquepoul blanc, Piquepoul gris, Piquepoul noir, Roussanne, Syrah, Terret noir

Specifications for the appellation

The Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation was one of the first appellations recognized by decree on May 15, 1936, thanks to the work of producers and Baron Le Roy de Boiseaumarié.

The Mediterranean climate benefits from the influence of the Mistral, a cold and dry wind coming from the North, favoring sunshine and reducing rainfall (less than 650 mm per year). This sector is one of the driest in the Rhône Valley, with strong sunshine of around 2,800 hours per year, particularly during the summer period, which is conducive to the maturity of the berries.

The appellation area covers soils with numerous rolled pebbles mixed with red clay, and sand and sandstone soils.

The appellation extends over 5 communes of Vaucluse, on the left bank of the Rhône, in the immediate vicinity of the river.

Grenache noir is the dominant grape variety in the vineyard.

Red wines, particularly suitable for aging, are powerful and structured, with great complexity and long aromatic persistence.

White wines, mainly made from the Grenache blanc, Clairette and Roussanne grape varieties, are ample, very expressive, with good aromatic freshness.