Chateauneuf-du-Pape was originally called Castro Novo in 1094 (meaning new fortified village), then Castronovum Calcernarium (Châteauneuf Calcernier, in reference to the use of limestone) before taking its current name in 1893.

Clément V, the first pope to be based in Avignon, expanded a pre-existing vineyard in 1309

The Chateauneuf-du-Pape vineyard is known for its top grape varieties being goblet trained (not-wire trained, bushes). This feature coupled with the plantation’s low density (2500 to 3300 varieties per hectare) imbues this typically Provençal region of sun-soaked hills and plains with its own charm.

The Mistral, the vineyard’s ally

It dries the vine and provides the Chateauneuf-du-Pape area with a generous amount of sun.  The pairing of the wind and sun helps the grapes reach perfect maturity with the right concentration of sugar and a limit on the proliferation of cryptogamic diseases.

Crested bottle Launched in 1937 by the Syndicat des Propriétaires Viticulteurs de Chateauneuf-du-Pape, the crested bottle is a symbol of success and represents the region’s wine growers’ pride. The crest on the bottles depicts a papal tiara above Saint Peter’s keys surrounded by the inscription: Châteauneuf-du-Pape contrôlé

Outstanding taste site  -Site Remarquable du Goût (S.R.G.)

The Chateauneuf du Pape appellation was recognised as an “Outstanding Taste Site” in September 2006. This certification takes into account the different social and economic dimensions of each site and in particular the wines’ renown, the efforts undertaken to protect the environment, the tourist facilities, the history and cultural development of the site : www.sitesremarquablesdugout.fr

Some figures: 3,150 hectares of working vineyards in 5  towns: Bédarrides, Courthézon, Sorgues, Orange and Châteauneuf-du-Pape, 13 official grape varieties, 100,000 hectolitres produced every year on average (6% white wine and 94% red wine) and 13,300,000 bottles produced every year (70% of which are exported).