The Pope’s New Castle ‘Châteauneuf-du-Pape’ 교황의 와인, 쌰또뇌프 뒤 빠쁘

Photos by Chun Eun Su

You might hear about Bordeaux, then Bourgogne in the French wine world. It is general to drink wines of mainly these two regions, however, we also have another name, Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

In fact, this famous village Châteauneuf-du-Pape was the place of Avignonese Captivity. In Avignonese Captivity, Châteauneuf-du-Pape built in the 14th century when the papal seat was temporarily moved to Avignon. The wines for the Pope in this period were produced of course, nearby this little village.

It belongs to the region, name of Rhône. Rhône is one of well-known wine region where has extreme contrasts. The northern Rhône is home to a single red grape variety, Syrah, seen in various excellent red wines. The wines of the southern Rhône are more generally warm and full-bodied with numerous styles. And the Rhône’s most celebrated wine is Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

In French, Châteauneuf-du-Pape means the Pope’s new castle. We can imagine with this name that Châteauneuf-du-Pape was the significant point but also was easily targeted by enemies. The ruined mediaeval castle sits at the top of the village and now it dominates the landscape.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape is also remarkable name in the wine world. It has white and red wine, but mostly red which is powerful with fine tannins, a mineral freshness and the ability to age. One of fact of excellent Châteauneuf-du-Pape red is 13 different grape varieties are allowed and winemaking techniques vary, means that style and quality vary considerably. 13 different grape varieties are Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cinsaut, Counoise, Vaccarèse, Terret Noir, Muscardin, Bourboulenc, Clairette, Roussanne, Picardan and Picpoul.

This allows for a huge range of wine styles, but in reality Grenache accounts for 75 percent with 4-5 grapes. Blending all 13 varieties is the traditional wine producing method, but it is difficult job with handling very much care and know-how, not for all producers can follow. Many of the vineyards here are covered with galets roulés – large, smooth pebbles. It retains heat, full ripeness and flavor. Also mistral wind from the Alps influences colder temperature, dry and freshness.

I would love to introduce two producers of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The first one is Domaine du Pégau. All shining stars from wine reviewers and wine lovers are marked for Pégau. I visited their cellar and tasted full range of wines. The taste was perfect and even their labels were also attractive. Now I understand why people love this wine so much. It’s the wine which I recommend you to have a chance to drink it.

The next producer is so much precious winery, Domaine du Banneret. They only have 3 hectares of vineyards. This small domaine is family owned producer since grandfather. Now parents and their daughter are doing all process of vineyard managing, viticulture, wine making and sticking labels and all others.

The amazing story of Banneret is that they grow all 13 different grape varieties of Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC in only 3 hectares vineyard. Also they follow all traditional method such as fermentation in a big barrel(foudre), exactly same as what their grandfather done.

Now I couldn’t wait for their wine. I had great expectation and curiosity of Banneret red wine and it was more than my expectation. So much adorable aroma in the glass says its long history. The balance between powerful full-bodied and delicate flavor completes its purity and elegance. I highly appreciate Domaine du Banneret to present their beautiful wine for us.

Not only vineyards also this little village Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the atmosphere was so delight with many of lovely sceneries. More I visited other villages more I missed here, Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Wish to have one more chance to be there.

 

 

Contributor, Chun Eun Sue

Wine expert, Chun Eun Sue had worked in Korea best wine magazine as a senior marketing & international manager. Now she is working in the leading wine company in Korea. CultureM Magazine releases her wine & travel essay once a month.

와인 전문가 전은수씨는 국내 최고의 와인매거진에서 와인 마케팅을 담당했으며 현재 국내 와인회사에서 마케팅 및 홍보를 담당하고 있다. 해외 유명 와인산지를 직접 답사한 그녀의 이야기를 컬쳐엠매거진에서 공개한다.