Fine Wine Focus
Châteauneuf-du-Pape

As one of France’s leading appellations, Châteauneuf-du-Pape is well regarded across the world. Funkyfogey delves behind the its history and reveals some full-bodied gems.

Natural riches
The Rhône Valley benefits from an exceptional Mediterranean climate as well as an incomparable variety of soils which contribute to making this area of France the birthplace of many prestigious appellations. Wine has been produced here for over 2000 years, with its vineyards extending over 200km, from Avignon to Vienne.

An ancient wine growing history
Châteauneuf-du-Pape lies between Orange and Avignon. Chateau Neuf, as it was then called, became the papal summer residence – a welcome retreat from stuffy court life in Avignon.

Vine cultivation, already known to the Gauls, had been widely developed in the area by the Romans but it was local monks who first cleared land to cultivate vineyards. In 1157, Geoffrey, the Bishop of Avignon, planted vines and personally managed his own estate, bringing prosperity and kudos to the small town. By the 13th century Châteauneuf had grown rich, with its vineyard extended to cover some 300 hectares.

In 1308, Pope Clement V, a former archbishop of Bordeaux, relocated the papacy to Avignon and planted additional vine stock across the region. Under Pope John XXII, wine from Châteauneuf was regularly supplied to the Papal residence. John XXII developed the reputation of Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines further and his legacy was the prestigious appellation of ‘Vin du Pape’ which was later to become ‘Châteauneuf-du-Pape’.