Chateauneuf Du Pape Wine - Here's What You Need to Know

1. Chateauneuf Du Pape Wine - Here's What You Need to Know Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or it’s your first time exploring French wines, Chateauneuf du Pape wine is one that is worth considering. It’s a wonderful introduction you to the wonderful world of French wines. The French wine appellation is known for bold Grenache based red blends. The region officially makes both red and white wines using up to 13 different grapes, although unofficial sources say that as much as 20 varieties are being used in the region. Here’s more information on Chateauneuf-du-Pape and why it is the most exclusive appellation in Southern Rhone: Location Chateauneuf-du-Pape is near the bottom of the Rhone Valley, almost at the border of Provence. Its name translates to ‘pope’s new castle,’ which refers to the time when the seat of the Roman Catholic Church was in Avignon between 1309 to 1377. Today, the appellation is among the 19 official growths or crus of the Cotes du Rhone whine region and the benchmark of Southern Rhone. Aging Red wines usually age for 10 to 20 years, depending on the vintage, style, and producer, while white wines require up to around 10 years to age. How to serve Decant the Chateauneuf Du Pape wine for about an hour or less if it is older. Serve it cool below room temperature to slow evaporating alcohol round 60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit (15 to 18 degrees Celsius). The taste A high-quality bottle of Chateauneuf-du-Pape Rouge will burst with rich plum and raspberry flavors. Eventually, you will taste notes of herbs, game, and dusted leather. Francophiles refer to that herbal play as ‘garrigue,’ after the scrubland of lavender, sage, and rosemary in the region. Moreover, it finishes with a sweet strawberry tingle that lingers in the back of your throat due to the elevated alcohol, with a sweet to savory finish depending on the vintage.

2. Food pairing Chateauneuf du Pape wine is great with roasted and spiced mainly vegetable dishes, such as Turkish lamb-stuffed peppers (lamb dolma), Moroccan chicken tagine with olives, and smoky cauliflower steaks. About the white wines Only around seven percent of the vineyards in the region produce white grapes, making Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc wine rare and harder to find. That said, many producers make small amounts that are typically a blend of other white grapes from the region such as Roussanne, Grenache Blanc, and Clairette.