Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Originally planted by the Knights Templar, the vineyards of Châteauneuf-du-Pape were expanded in the 14th century, when the Papacy was established in Avignon and Clement V built a summer residence about 10 miles upstream. His (and his successors') love of the local wines encouraged the expansion of the vineyards and gave the village its name.

One of the most famous appellations in France – indeed, the birthplace of the appellation contrôlée system – Châteauneuf-du-Pape  produces many of the finest wines in the southern Rhône. Whilst some excellent white wines are made, it is for its world class reds that Châteauneuf is so renowned. With 13 different grape varieties permitted (generally, about 65-70% of a wine comes from Grenache with around 15% each of Syrah and Mourvèdre to add colour, black fruit characters, structure and complexity), there is potential for an enormous range of styles with a vast array of concentrated smells and flavours. Wines tend to be chewy with high glycerin and alcohol levels and good tannic structures, capable of considerable longevity, particularly in top vintages. It is not that long ago that old-vine Châteauneuf and Gigondas were added to the all-too-often dilute wines of the negociants of Burgundy which were then sold as luxury Pinot Noir. 

So, what are the 13 permitted varieties?

For red wines:
Grenache Noir - Mourvèdre - Syrah - Cinsault - Vaccarèse - Counoise - Muscardin - Terret Noir - Picpoul Noir

For white wines:
Grenache Blanc - Clairette - Bouboulent - Roussanne - Picpoul Blanc - Picardin
(Note: red and white clones of Grenache and Picpoul are counted only once.)

Useful tips: generally when buying Châteauneuf-du-Pape, ensure the bottle is embossed with either the crossed keys or the new bishop's mitre design and also that it has been bottled at the estate (mis en bouteille au domaine, for example). Supermarket own-brand wines in particular can be a terrible waste of money! Also, many Châteauneuf-du-Pape estates own land just outside the appellation borders designated Côtes du Rhône. Often mini-Châteauneufs, made in a similar style to their more illustrious neighbour, they can represent fantastic value for money.