Pronunciation: “shat-toe-nouf due pap”
If there is one French wine that everyone should try, it is probably Châteauneuf-du-Pape. This gorgeous French wine is known for its bold red blends made from Grenache. Actually, the region of Châteauneuf-du-Pape produces red and white wines from 13 different grape varieties.
What is Châteauneuf-du-Pape Wine?
Châteauneuf-du-Pape is widely regarded as the shining star of the Southern Rhône. It is one of the oldest wine appellations in France. The name translates to “new castle of the Pope,” referencing when Avignon was the seat of the Roman Catholic Church under Pope Clement V. Steeped in a rich history, wines from Châteauneuf-du-Pape are made from a blend of the approved 18 Rhône varieties. Grenache predominates in red wines, with Syrah and Mourvèdre contributing to the classic Rhône blend, but more single-varietal Grenache wines are now available.
What about the taste?
Plums, raspberry, and blackberries are common flavors in Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines, with secondary flavors of white pepper and mineral tones like saline. The prestigious red wines are built to last. With bright fruit flavors and ample acidity in their youth, they can be laid down in the cellar for decades.
We hope you find the text above useful. Of course, this is not all. We present to you a list of five great Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines you will fall in love with.
Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf du Pape 2017
This magnificent cuvee is made from all 13 of the legally allowed grape varieties under the Chateauneuf du Pape appellation rules. The fruit comes from a single plot in the northern part of the region, where Mourvedre’s old vines predominate. Beautiful dark fruits, such as cassis, black plum, and blackberries, burst from the glass, accompanied by subtle undertones of oregano, wild thyme, and cedar wood. On the palate, this wine has a punchy full body, robust tannins, and a solid structure that will allow it to age beautifully in the coming years. Pair it with hearty red meat dishes like ribeye steak, wild boar ragu with fresh pasta or venison right now.
Bosquet des Papes Châteauneuf Du Pape Tradition 2019
Because of the bright streak of acidity and ripe tannins on the palate, this is a rich, intense Châteauneuf du Pape with great balance and poise. The nose is defined by succulent cassis, blackberry, and plum, as well as hints of leather, dried violets, and cigar box spice. The medium body is balanced by a firm structure and a long finish, making this a great wine to cellar for a few years or to drink now with charcuterie or red meat dishes. After being vinified, the young wine is aged for a year in a combination of foudres, demi-muid barrels, and neutral tanks. This preserves the freshness and aromatics of the grapes while adding polish and character from the oak.
André Brunel Les Cailloux Châteauneuf du Pape 2019
The grapes come from several plots, each of which contributes unique characteristics to the wine’s incredible complexity. A meticulous analysis of the terroir has allowed for the identification of the best grape varieties and vine management techniques. The vines have an average age of 60 years. This Châteauneuf-du-Pape red, Les Cailloux, gets its name from the numerous rolled pebbles found in the vines, which inspired the estate’s name. It develops intense aromas of red fruits and a fine woody hint on the nose. The fruit returns to the palate, along with complex aromas of scrubland, white pepper, and orange peel. The tannins are elegant and well-balanced. Try it with a filet mignon, lamb, or duck.
Château de la Gardine Châteauneuf Du Pape 2019
To create a complex, multi-layered wine, the family’s classic Chateauneuf du Pape is sourced from vineyards with four different soil types. Pebbly “galet” soils add structure and body, limestone adds minerality, and clay and sandy soils contribute to the finished wine’s elegance. After vinification, the wine is aged for 9-14 months in a combination of stainless steel tanks and oak barrels. The Brunel family have been winemakers since the 17th century, but it was only in 1945 that the renowned wine merchant, Gaston Brunel, purchased Château de la Gardine in Châteauneuf du Pape. The estate is now managed by two generations of Brunels: Gaston’s two sons and their wives, as well as his grandchildren.
Château La Nerthe Châteauneuf du Pape Cuvee des Cadettes 2017
This special cuvee is made with fruit from the chateau’s oldest vineyards, which are planted on a plot known as “Cadettes.” These 80-year-old vines are mostly Grenache, with a little Syrah and Mourvedre thrown in for good measure. The fruit is hand-picked and vinified in a wooden tank before being transferred to a combination of large oak casks and new oak barrels for a 12-month maturation period. On the nose, there are hints of leather, sweet spice, and luscious dark berries, while the first sip reveals a generous full body, robust tannins, and a long finish seasoned with cedar, smoked meat, and toast. The wine’s bold flavor profile makes it ideal for cellaring for another decade or two, but it can also be enjoyed now with a rich venison or beef stew or barbecued ribs.
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