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| At the village heart |
The plan was to meet somewhere between Die & Arles and have
lunch together to catch up with news. We had agreed to meet in Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
lunch together to catch up with news. We had agreed to meet in Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
This is a historic village just north of Avignon now mostly renown for its outstanding brand of wine.
1. A historical landmark.
When the Popes were living in Avignon in the 13th to 14th centuries, they had a summer palace in the village. It is about 18km north of Avignon, not far from the Rhône riverbank.
The Popes built their summer residence on top of the hill. Hence the origin of the village name, which literally means 'the new chateau of the Pope'.
They started planting vines to produce their own wine. But it remained a well-kept secret till many centuries later.
2. An exceptional wine.
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| Bottle of Châteauneuf |
It is predominantly made with Grenache mixed with many other grapes. The earth of the vineyards is covered with flat pebbles to keep humidity in the soil during the dry season.
Since the wine production is limited to a small area, it accounts for its price. But once you have tasted this elixir yo know why it is so expensive and also so renown.
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| Map of vineyards |
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| Grapes |
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| Wine logo |
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| Wine shop sign |
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| Village winery |
Other links:
Christian Sorand
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