Vineyards: these cover almost all of the commune of Châteauneuf-du-Pape as well as some parts of the 4 neighbouring communes of Bédarrides, Courthézon, Orange and Sorgues which has soils of similar composition.
Soil types: of varying depths and varying stoniness, the soil is mainly made up of large round quartz stones mixed with sandy red clay.
Climate: this is the driest region of the Côtes du Rhône; the prevailing wind is the Mistral and there are approximately 2,800 hours of sunshine per year, the heat of the day is stored by the stones and released at night.
Background: When the Papacy was established in Avignon in the 14th Century, Châteauneuf-du-Pape was selected to be the Pope’s summer residence. The seven successive Popes encouraged the wine production and the expanding of the vineyards. The strict way in which wine has been produced has remained a constant factor throughout the history of these vineyards, and acted as the basis for certain provisions when the A.O.C legislation was being drawn up. Châteauneuf-du-Pape was consecrated a Local A.O.C. in 1936.
Area under cultivation*: 3167 hectares, average yearly production: 97406 hl, Basic yield: 31 hl/hectare.
* Source: harvest statement 2004.
Grape variety mix: 13 grape varieties are traditionally permitted.
Today, the main grape varieties are: Grenache, Cinsault, Mourvèdre, Syrah, Muscardin, Counoise, Clairette and Bourboulenc.
Pruning: Guyot pruning for the Syrah; for the other grape varieties, goblet or fan pruning with a maximum of 6 spurs and 2 eyes, with a total of 15 eyes per vine in addition to the "bourillon" or first small fertile bud. The use of wire or stakes is forbidden .
Wine making: natural alcohol content by volume for the red and whites, minimum 12.5%.
