Châteauneuf-du-Pape AC [shah-toh-nuhf-doo-PAHP]
Important appellation that surrounds the village of Châteaneuf-du-Pape, which is located between Orange and Avignon in the southern portion of France’s Rhône region. Its name means “new castle of the pope,” referring to the summer palace built in the area during the 1300s and used by the popes from Avignon. In 1923 Châteauneuf-du-Pape was the first area to adopt strict rules for grape growing and winemaking. These rules were the basis for France’s national system, Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée, which was implemented in 1936. Châteauneuf-du-Pape AC permits thirteen red and white grapes; it’s quite unusual for a French AC to have so many varieties. Grenache, the dominant variety in the area, exists in both a red (Grenache Noir) and white (Grenache blanc) form. Other red varieties include Cinsault, Counoise, Mourvèdre, Muscardine, Syrah, Terret Noir, and Vaccarèse. Permitted white varieties are Bourboulenc, Clairette, Picardan, Roussanne, and Piquepoul (or Picpoule)—this last variety had a red version, but it’s not widely grown. Red wines make up approximately 97 percent of this appellation’s production; however, the white varieties may be used in red wines, mainly to soften some of the bigger, bolder wines. The minimum alcohol level of 121⁄2 percent is the highest minimum of any AC. Generally, it’s not difficult to reach this alcohol level because of the warm climate. The area’s stony soil retains the day’s heat into the evening hours, which allows the grapes to ripen to their fullest. Fully ripened grapes have a high sugar content that can convert into higher alcohol levels. Châteauneuf-du-Pape’s red wines are traditionally big, rich, and full-bodied (see body) with spicy, raspberry flavors. They’re capable of aging for 5 to 20 years. A lighter beaujolais-style red, made with carbonic maceration, is also produced. The white wines are usually crisp with flavors that hint of peaches, pears, melons, and, sometimes, licorice. Wines with the papal coat of arms embossed on the bottle above the label indicate that they are estate bottled.
The New Wine Lovers Companion, 2nd Edition, by Ron Herbst and Sharon Tyler Herbst. Copyright © (1) 2003, 1995 by Ron Herbst and Sharon Tyler Herbst. Reprinted by arrangement with Barron's Educational Series, Inc.