Day 26 | Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC

South of Avignon, a broad plateau of rolled quartzite pebbles (galets roulés) soaks up Provençal sun by day and radiates warmth through the night. Add the Mistral’s drying wind and you have Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Here you’ll find the birthplace of robust red blends led by Grenache, supported by Syrah, Mourvèdre, and up to ten other permitted grapes. Alcohol can reach over 15%, yet the best wines retain freshness, pepper, and a savoury garrigue note that is unmistakably Southern Rhône.

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What You’ll Taste

• Primary Notes – Ripe raspberry, black cherry compote, dried herbes-de-Provence.

• Secondary – Smoked meat and leather

• Tannin / Body – Full-bodied, dense tannins that feel velvety after a few years but start firm and mouth-coating.

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Terroir & Winemaking Deep Dive

Châteauneuf-du-Pape splits into four main soil types. The iconic galets roulés of La Crau trap heat, ripening Grenache to ripe red berry