Châteaueuf-du-Pape Superstars Mixed Half Dozen

Perhaps one of the most evocative and familiar wine names in France, Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a byword for full-bodied, quality, red wines.

Situated in the southern Rhône Valley in southeastern France, the recognition of this historic region dates back to the 1300s when Pope Clement V relocated from Bordeaux to Avignon, at the south end of the region, and built a new castle. In 1923 Châteauneuf-du-Pape became the first region to introduce a quality assurance program that became the prototype for the AOC (Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée) system which has been adopted across the whole country and more widely. Famous for allowing 13 different grape varieties to be used, the reds are usually a base of Grenache Noir with Syrah and Mourvèdre, the rest providing a palette for the winemakers, and mother nature, to stamp their individuality on the wines.

In the last 30 years, the wines have gone from strength to strength, becoming far more refined and elegant. Today, the best wines are a match for anything produced across the globe.

Making up only 5% of the region’s production, the rather less well-known white counterpart, Châteauneuf-duPape blanc, is a rare beast indeed, but it would be remiss of us to overlook it as put simply, they are delicious!