Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Styles
Principal grape varieties
BourboulencBrun ArgentéCinsautClairette (Clairette Blanche)Clairette RoseCounoiseGrenache Blanc (Garnacha Blanca)Grenache Gris (Garnacha Roja)Grenache (Garnacha Tinta)Mourvèdre (Monastrell)MuscardinPicardan (Bourboulenc)Piquepoul BlancPiquepoul GrisPiquepoul NoirRoussanneSyrahTerret Noir
Terroir
Natural factors
- Iconic soils: the 'Terrasses du Villafranchien', comprising large alpine rounded pebbles set in a reddish clay matrix, with considerable depth.
- Substratum: marine Miocene molasse overlying massive Urgonian limestone, on a plateau at around 100 metres elevation. (via Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 4.0)
- A zone of 5 communes in the Vaucluse: Bédarrides, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Courthézon, Orange, and Sorgues.
Human factors
- Jean XXII (1316–1334) contributed to the growth of the vineyard, commissioning the construction of the château; winegrowers from Cahors then went on to develop the terroir. (via Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 4.0)
Product characteristics
- Powerful red wines with ageing potential, displaying a purple-to-garnet colour, aromas of red fruits and spices that evolve toward leather, truffle, and liquorice.
- Full-bodied white wines with a persistent freshness and a floral nose (honeysuckle, narcissus); sandy soils lend elegance, while graves or limestone bring vivacity.
Terroir / wine link
- The rounded pebbles ('caïau frejaü') release by night the heat they have absorbed during the day, promoting ripeness and concentration in the berries.
Facts drawn from the cahier's terroir-link section (Lien au terroir) by automatic interpretation — see the source.
Sources
- Product specification (BO Agri, PDF) — approved 16 novembre 2011, JORF 19 novembre 2011
- Official INAO text (show_texte)
- INAO product entry
- Official trade body site — Fédération des Producteurs de Châteauneuf-du-Pape