 CHATEAUNEUF
DU PAPEIntroduction Châteauneuf du Pape. One 
would think that the name Châteauneuf-du-Pape comes from the construction
of a castle by the popes of Avignon, in particular Jean XXII, upon the
ruins of another castle. In fact, this is not the case.During the 14th century, far from the bustle 
of the Avignon court, the popes had built their estate at Châteauneuf.
The first vineyards in the area were planted by them.Viticulture. What 
began initially as a private production eventually grew in stature and
reputation. Its renown dates from the 18th century, but it wasn't until
1929 that Châteauneuf-du-Pape truly affirmed itself, with the application
of strict rules governing production to obtain the Label of Origin: boundaries
of the growing region, the thirteen authorized vine varieties, pruning
specifications, harvest sorting, the wine-making process, and the minimum
degree.The land. It stretches 
from the town of Châteauneuf-du-Pape and partly through the communities
of Bédarrides, Courthézon, Orange and Sorgues. Presence of smooth stones
and pebbles over a large part of the appellation area.  Cultivated
on plateaus and terraces, it enjoys exceptional climactic conditions -
a maximum of sunshine and a minimum of rainfall - thanks to the Mistral
wind. |
 |
EARL DOMAINES PIERRE LANÇON |
| Domaine
de la Solitude - BP 21 84231 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cedex - France Tél. 04 90 83 71 45 Fax 04 90 83 51 34 e-mail: solitude@mnet.fr |