It's a small town (a little more than two thousand people) on the Rhône River just south of Orange. The name translates to English as "the Pope's New Castle." In the fourteenth century, popes moved from Rome to Avignon. Not far from there, a "new" castle was built for Pope John XXII. I though that was the origin of the town's name, but Wikipedia tells me that it had been known as Castro Novo as early as the eleventh century, a castro or castrum being the Latin name for a fortified town. It wasn't until the fourteenth century and the construction of a large castle complex and towering donjon that the du Pape part of the name was added. All that remains of that construction is part of the donjon.
Of course, people these days associate Châteauneuf-du-Pape with the wine that's produced from mostly grenache grapes (but can also contain some of thirteen other authorized grape varieties) grown on the low lands that surround the town.
Indeed I immediately thought of 'wine' - and expensive wine too. I don't think that sort is available here or if it is it is too expensive for most folks. I don't know if the region makes 'basic wine' or not?
ReplyDeleteThe producers all make a lower more affordable Cote du rhone.
DeleteOhhhhhh... interesting history background, Walt!
ReplyDeleteLot’s of visits to CDP. I think the road leads up to an organic producer, that I had read about, but every year the sign read, out in field. So one year, someone was there, and I bought a case and lugged home in one of our suitcases, one bottle left, but nice memories, and nice wine!
ReplyDelete