Chateauneuf-du-Pape is the largest and one of the most renowned appellations of the southern part of the Rhone Valley with more than 3,200 hectares of vineyards. Chateauneuf du Pape literally translates as ‘The Pope’s new castle’ and the history of this appellation is linked with that of the Papacy and the pope’s residence was located here in medieval times. One of the factors helping to create the uniqueness of these wines is the proliferation of old vines. Some of the oldest vines in France (100 years or more) are here in the vineyards of southern Rhone.

Another factor is the weather. Chateauneuf du Pape is generally a Mediterranean climate but it is also shaped by its proximity to the Rhone river. The ‘Mistrals’, the name for the cold, strong, dry winds that blow from north to south are a major reason for this character. They are present for about 100 days a year and reach a velocity of 60mph or more. The ‘Mistrals’ help to keep the air, grapes, vines and soil clean and in extreme, hot, dry years, they cool down the vines. It is partly why so many of the growers are able to use biodynamic and organic farming techniques in Chateauneuf-du-Pape.