Wine on the Radio - September 19, 2003

Chateauneuf du Pape                       Recommendations

Here's a story of a full bodied red wine with an unusual pedigree.  

In the Rhone region of France there's a place and a wine called Chateauneuf du Pape.   Its tradition goes back to the early 1300's.   Chateauneuf du Pape translates to "the Pope's new castle."  

Pope Clement the Fifth was French and resided in Avignon instead of Rome.    He built a summer house and planted vineyards which became "Chateauneuf du Pape"

These are luscious wines made mostly from Grenache, but more than a dozen other kinds of grapes can officially be used in the blend.  

"Pops" are great with grilled meats and strong cheese.   The flavor is so concentrated many folks describe it like a jar of jam.  

Chateauneuf du Pape is easy to spot too.    Embossed on most bottles is the Papal coat of arms from when Clement the Fifth built "the Pope's new castle."  

Pape the cork™.                            Listen to the show

Some Fun Pops . . . All Prices Approximate

Ch. Cabrieres 2000 Chateauneuf du Pape $24
Rhône, France

Winemaker's Notes
"The 2000 Chateauneuf du Pape is sweet on the attack"

Guigal 2001 Chateauneuf-du-Pape $30
Rhône , France

Winemaker's Notes
Superb Chateauneuf! This wine is a fine, deep, dark-red color in the glass

Guigal 2001 Chateauneuf-du-Pape $37
Rhône , France

Winemaker's Notes
Superb Chateauneuf! This wine is a fine, deep, dark-red color in the glass

Chapoutier 2000 La Bernardine Chateauneuf-du-Pape $38
Rhône , France

Winemaker's Notes

The 2000 Chateauneuf du Pape La Bernardine is a fruity, soft, elegant effort displaying notions of pepper