Not much to say except this Chateau is set in the most splendid collection of vineyards (600 in total I think) which all supply the Chateau.
We spent the time sampling some CNdP wines - white, red (too dry for me) and rose.
Vine cultivation, already known to the Gauls, was widely developed by the Romans. Monks were the first to clear the land and cultivate these vineyards and Bishops were instrumental in extending vine cultivation.
In 1157, in keeping with Roman tradition, Geoffrey, the Bishop of Avignon, planted vines and personally managed his own estate and was most certainly the owner of a vineyard located in his fief in Châteauneuf.
In the 13th century the village of Châteauneuf, with its 1000 inhabitants, grew rich and had already developed a flourishing vineyard (approximately 300 hectares).
In 1308, Clément V planted additional vine stock before he died some years later just after crossing the Rhône to return home.
The Pope at Avignon was undoubtedly one of the first wine producers in Châteauneuf.
Under Pope John XXII, wine from Châteauneuf was regularly supplied to the Papal residence. John XXII was beyond doubt the prelate who participated most in developing the reputation of Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines and his legacy, the first appellation in the history of Châteauneuf, was the prestigious appellation of "Vin du Pape" that was later to become Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
John XXII was also responsible for building the famous castle. Today the remains of the proud Papas summer residence house the headquarters of the "Echansonnerie des Papes" a brotherhood that bears high and with pride the reputation of Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
