Châteauneuf-du-Pape

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• For a standard delivery, we will deliver your order within three working days. Delivery to the Scottish Highlands, some other areas of Scotland, Northern Ireland and offshore islands can take an extra few days.
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Châteauneuf-du-Pape (pronounced sha-toe-nuf-do-pap) is a world-famous French wine from the Rhône Valley. It shares the name of the wine region where it is made.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape is one of France’s most premium and expensive wines and is highly sought by wine enthusiasts and collectors worldwide. Available in red and white styles, it is made from a blend of international and native grape varieties.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a powerful, full-bodied wine. If you’re into bold flavours, then Châteauneuf-du-Pape – whether red or white – really delivers.

Red Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the most common type, is typically full-bodied and robust. With intense flavours of juicy dark berries, black stone fruits, warming spice and earthy hints, it’s like a warm hug in a glass. Perfect for a cold winter day.

White Châteauneuf-du-Pape is less common but is equally delicious in a different way. Still rich and full-bodied, these dry whites offer sweeter flavours and aromas of stone fruit, honey, flowers and almonds. White Châteauneuf-du-Pape has a refreshing acidity coupled with an intriguing mineral finish.

While you can certainly enjoy them when they’re young, Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines have excellent ageing potential. This means if you buy a bottle of Châteauneuf-du-Pape today, it can still taste amazing after several years if you store it properly. As the wine ages, it develops even deeper, more complex flavours.

Red Châteauneuf-du-Pape may develop more earthy and savoury characteristics as it ages. In contrast, white Châteauneuf-du-Pape’s fresh fruit flavours may develop towards a more honeyed and nutty profile.

Learn more in our essential guide to Châteauneuf-du-Pape

The taste of Châteauneuf-du-Pape will depend on the specific blend of grapes used, but there are common traits.

Red Châteauneuf-du-Pape is usually full-bodied and robust, featuring flavours of ripe red and black fruits such as raspberries, black cherries and plums. You’ll often find warming, spicy notes of black pepper, liquorice and herbs. These wines can develop complex layers of secondary flavours with age, including leather, game meats and earth.

White Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines can have flavours of apricot, peach, lemon and grapefruit, along with floral notes and a touch of fennel. The finish often has a mineral hint. After ageing, these whites can develop richer and more complex flavours, including honey, almond and marzipan.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape reds are quite the hearty bunch. They are the perfect partner for a good meat dish such as roast beef or braised lamb shanks. Fancy a classic French pairing? Try it with Beef Bourguignon or a navarin of lamb. After dinner, a bold cheese such as Roquefort or aged Cheddar is a perfect match.

On the other hand, white Châteauneuf-du-Pape is great with substantial fish dishes. Think salmon or cod with a creamy white sauce. It also pairs well with roast chicken, turkey or pork. Feel like something lighter? Grilled or roasted herby vegetables hit the spot perfectly.

Getting ready to serve a Châteauneuf-du-Pape?

Here are some tips so you can enjoy it at its best.

• For reds, aim for a touch cooler than room temperature, around 16-18°C.
• White Châteauneuf-du-Pape should be served chilled – between 10-12°C. Too cold, and you’ll dull its delicious flavours and aromas. Consider decanting, especially for the red wines.
• Giving the wine an hour to breathe can help those complex flavours shine.
• Serve Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine in a large, rounded wine glass. This type of glass, also known as a Burgundy glass, is ideal because it brings the wine’s aromatics to life, and its narrow rim directs those aromas towards your nose.