Even though the Chateauneuf vineyards date back to the 12th century, it wasn’t until the 14th century that Chateauneuf-du-Pape took on an important viticultural role. This was the time when the French popes had relocated to Avignon. Founded in 1933, the appellation is special for many reasons. The first is that it is allowed to use 13 red and white grape varieties, which can be included in the same blend. This is truly an exceptional art of blending that results from the search for ultimate balance. The emblematic red grape variety of Chateauneuf-du-Pape is Grenache, which can even be found as a varietal wine. More often Grenache is blended with Syrah, Mourvèdre, Carignan and Cinsault, which are other grape varieties used in red blends, but in smaller proportions. Another interesting historical fact about Chateauneuf-du-Pape is its connection with the Appellation d'Origine Controlee (AOC) system. The Chateauneuf winemakers united as a union in 1894. Since 1923, they have been the first group to promote specifications and delimitation of an appellation’s production area.
The appellation is located in southern Rhône, not far from the cities of Orange and Avignon. It is truly one of the most renowned appellations in the Rhone Valley and covers 3,200 hectares. The appellation, which dominates the Comtat Venaissin plain is the driest area in the Côtes du Rhone. Heat is stored in the soil’s large, round pebbles (galets roules) during the day, and then the vines use this heat at night to ensure a constant ripening of the grapes. This phenomenon is commonly known as the "oven effect.” Because of all of this, the wines are concentrated, rich, mineral and very aromatic. Both the red and white wines from Chateauneuf-du-Pape enjoy great ageing potential.