Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Châteauneuf-du-Pape (pronounced sha-toe-nuf-do-pap) is a world-famous French wine from the Rhône Valley. It shares the name of the wine region where it is made.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape is one of France’s most premium and expensive wines and is highly sought by wine enthusiasts and collectors worldwide. Available in red and white styles, it is made from a blend of international and native grape varieties.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines are known for their robust, full bodies, rich flavours and complex depth. To create these wines, Rhône winemakers must follow strict AOC rules to maintain the label’s expected high quality.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine is made in the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation, which lies in the southern Rhône Valley close to the border of Provence. The Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC (Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée) was established in 1936 and is one of France’s oldest and most prestigious wine regions.

It’s named after the town of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, which translates to “the Pope’s new castle” – a nod to the area’s history with the papacy in the 14th century. The region is known for its diverse soils, which include large, round stones known as galets. These stones trap the daytime heat and release it at night, helping the grapes ripen evenly. So when you’re sipping a Châteauneuf-du-Pape, you’re tasting the result of that unique environment.

The Châteauneuf-du-Pape region is home to red and white wines, but it’s best known for its red blends. In fact, red wine makes up about 95% of the region’s total production. Up to 18 different grape varieties are permitted in the red blend under AOC rules, but typically they’re made mostly from Grenache, backed by Syrah and Mourvèdre.

The less common white Châteauneuf-du-Pape is usually a blend of several white grape varieties. Grenache Blanc, Roussanne and Clairette are among the most commonly used.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a powerful, full-bodied wine. If you’re into bold flavours, then Châteauneuf-du-Pape – whether red or white – really delivers.

Red Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the most common type, is typically full-bodied and robust. With intense flavours of juicy dark berries, black stone fruits, warming spice and earthy hints, it’s like a warm hug in a glass. Perfect for a cold winter day.

White Châteauneuf-du-Pape is less common but is equally delicious in a different way. Still rich and full-bodied, these dry whites offer sweeter flavours and aromas of stone fruit, honey, flowers and almonds. White Châteauneuf-du-Pape has a refreshing acidity coupled with an intriguing mineral finish.

While you can certainly enjoy them when they’re young, Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines have excellent ageing potential. This means if you buy a bottle of Châteauneuf-du-Pape today, it can still taste amazing after several years if you store it properly. As the wine ages, it develops even deeper, more complex flavours.

Red Châteauneuf-du-Pape may develop more earthy and savoury characteristics as it ages. In contrast, white Châteauneuf-du-Pape’s fresh fruit flavours may develop towards a more honeyed and nutty profile.

The taste of Châteauneuf-du-Pape will depend on the specific blend of grapes used, but there are common traits.

Red Châteauneuf-du-Pape is usually full-bodied and robust, featuring flavours of ripe red and black fruits such as raspberries, black cherries and plums. You’ll often find warming, spicy notes of black pepper, liquorice and herbs. These wines can develop complex layers of secondary flavours with age, including leather, game meats and earth.

White Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines can have flavours of apricot, peach, lemon and grapefruit, along with floral notes and a touch of fennel. The finish often has a mineral hint. After ageing, these whites can develop richer and more complex flavours, including honey, almond and marzipan.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape reds are quite the hearty bunch. They are the perfect partner for a good meat dish such as roast beef or braised lamb shanks. Fancy a classic French pairing? Try it with Beef Bourguignon or a navarin of lamb. After dinner, a bold cheese such as Roquefort or aged Cheddar is a perfect match.

On the other hand, white Châteauneuf-du-Pape is great with substantial fish dishes. Think salmon or cod with a creamy white sauce. It also pairs well with roast chicken, turkey or pork. Feel like something lighter? Grilled or roasted herby vegetables hit the spot perfectly.

Getting ready to serve a Châteauneuf-du-Pape? Here are some tips so you can enjoy it at its best.

For reds, aim for a touch cooler than room temperature, around 16-18°C.

White Châteauneuf-du-Pape should be served chilled – between 10-12°C. Too cold, and you’ll dull its delicious flavours and aromas.

Consider decanting, especially for the red wines. Giving the wine an hour to breathe can help those complex flavours shine.

Serve Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine in a large, rounded wine glass. This type of glass, also known as a Burgundy glass, is ideal because it brings the wine’s aromatics to life, and its narrow rim directs those aromas towards your nose.

Learn more about serving temperatures in our wine temperature serving guide.