Cuvee du Vatican Chateauneuf-du-Pape

Chateauneuf-du-Pape is probably the most important appellation for quality wines in the Southern Rhone. It takes its name from “Pope’s new Castle”  which refers to the relocation of the papal court to Avignon in the 14th Century. 13 grape varieties are permitted in the appellation with Grenache being the prominent variety.  The soils are varied, however the famous “galets”, or large pebbles, are thought of as being the best for retaining the heat and speeding the ripening process. The Cuvee du Vatican winery has been making wine in the region for over 100 years with their first vintage being 1902! This wine is a blend of Grenache , Syrah, Mourvedre and Cinsault mainly but with the other varieties allowed also present. The vines are 45 years old. A full-bodied, rich, powerful and spicy wine.