Châteauneuf-du-Pape

The ‘new castle of the Pope’ only ever housed one Pope - John XXII, who built it in the early 1300’s - so, of course, it isn’t that new anymore either. But the name of Châteauneuf-du-Pape lives on in the hearty red wine of the southern Rhône valley. Legend and law dictates that Châteauneuf-du-Pape can be made from up to 13 different grape varieties, although the bulk of any cuvée will be Grenache, with Syrah the main blending partner, often with a touch of Mourvèdre; the other ten or so varieties rarely feature much.

Full-bodied, rich and warming with plenty of peppery Rhôney spice, Châteauneuf-du-Pape is the classic southern Rhône red. Traditional Winter season drinking, ideal with red meat roast dinners, and a popular Yuletide gift. The best Châteauneufs are as age-worthy and classy as top-end Bordeaux’s, against which they offer comparatively better value.