Galets at Chateau Beaucastel. Photo © Chris de Rham
Chateauneuf-du-Pape is known to wine lovers as one of the world's greatest wines, and the best of the wines made in the Southern Rhone (geographically part of Provence) offering great value. But Chateauneuf-du-Pape ("the Pope's new house"), located just 18 km north of Avignon, is also a medieval town built on a small hillside, with a few remains of a 14th century chateau-just a tower and a piece of wall. The wide panorama of the hillside where the chateau stands gives a stunning perspective of the historic vineyards, the Rhone River, and Mont Ventoux. Pope John XXII built the chateau during the Avignon Papacy in the 14th century, and the popes lived here during the summer. The Germans used it as a base during WWII, and sadly, ransacked and destroyed it during their retreat. Grapes have been grown in the region since at least the 11th century. Today French wine law permits the use of 13 different grape varieties in the red and white wines. American wine critic Robert Parker has had a huge impact on the wines of Chateauneuf, recognizing their potential and now calling them "the world's greatest red wine value;" his influence has undoubtedly increased the value of these wines many times. He claims that the 2007 vintage is the best of the last 30 years.When traveling through the vineyards, you will immediately notice the unusual "galets"--rounded white rocks, the remains of Alpine glaciers and deposited by the Rhone, that cover many of the vineyards. They absorb heat during the day and release it at night. The vines are short, growing close to the ground to resist the effects of the Mistral wind, which can destroy vineyards. Chateauneuf-du-Pape is a small town and wineries are well marked; it is quite easy to get around. The Office de Tourisme is in the middle of the town and hard to miss. Stop by to get maps and a winery guide there.
