The wine town of Chateauneuf-du-Pape (84 Vaucluse, Provence PACA) holds an annual wine festival 4 – 6 August 2023 to celebrate the onset of the grape ripening season (veraison) with its Fête de la Véraison.
Notably famous for its complex wines, the town also has a rich history originating from the fact that at one stage it was the seat of the Pope (“pape“) in the 14th Century – the remains of the castle (chateau) now crown the town.
The festival has a medieval theme including some mock battles, a gourmet market, music and street entertainers. Buy an official wine glass (5€) and try the wines in any of the many wine cellars in the heart of the village. For more info on the Chateauneuf-du-Pape wine festival see www.chateauneuf-du-pape-tourisme.fr
Châteauneuf-du-Pape is the most famous Southern Rhône wine appellation and is probably the finest expression of the Grenache grape and Grenache based blends, with up to 13 grape varieties allowed in the blend. A rich yet fresh white is also produced.
In the ocean of vines surrounding the ruins of the Papal palace, rising up from the Galets stones, lie the vineyards of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The ‘Clos de L’Oratoire‘ is a place of prayer built in the 18th century, now an improving wine estate. An intense, perfumed and enticing array of sweet spices, brooding black fruits and sweet red cherries. Earthy, fruity, spicy and complex layers of flavour a marshalled by firm tannins into a long finish. Secret this away for ten years or drink now as the youthful fruits and juicy sweetness with roast veal or pork filets mignons.
Stay amongst the vineyards at the Château des Fines Roches in Chateauneuf-du-Pape
For more on the wine village including places to stay on a vineyard see Chateauneuf-du-Pape
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