Vineyards of Chateauneuf du Pape

by Carla Parris

Title

Vineyards of Chateauneuf du Pape

Artist

Carla Parris

Medium

Photograph - Digital Photograph

Description

VINEYARDS OF CHATEAUNEUF DU PAPE is an original photograph by CARLA PARRIS presenting a panoramic image of the region's famous vineyards, and the unique nature of its soil, filled with rocks, attributable to its history as a riverbed.

Chateauneuf-du-Pape is an area in the Rhone Valley in southern France which is renowned for its rich, complex, full-bodied red wines.

In 1932, Chateauneuf-du-Pape became the first Appellation d'origine controlee (AOC) established in France. The wine classified as Chateauneuf-du-Pape is produced from grapes grown in the commune of Chateauneuf-du-Pape and in portions of four adjacent communes. This area is about 8.5 miles long and 5 miles wide.

The prestigious appellation permits 14 varieties of grapes. Grenache is the predominant variety, with Syrah and Mourvedre playing important supporting roles. The blending of varieties contributes to the complexity which is a hallmark of these wines.

The quality of the grapes from this region is attributable in part to the Mediterranean climate's abundant sunshine and warmth, and also to the violent winds, called mistrals, which blow across the region about 100 days a year. These conditions render herbicides and pesticides unnecessary, and permit organic and biodynamic farming techniques .

The terroir of the region also contributes to the character of the wines. Most of the vineyards are ancient riverbeds, with rocks, stones and pebbles, called galets roules, which reflect light to the vines, leafs and grapes during the day, and radiate absorbed heat to the vines during the evenings. This aids the development and ripening of the grapes.

Chateauneuf-du-Pape has some of the oldest vines in France, some more than 100 years old, most of which are for Grenache. This also contributes to the outstanding quality of the wine from the region, as the low yield of old vines results in intense levels of concentration in the grapes, adding wonderful depth of flavor, character and complexity to the wine.

Uploaded

August 18th, 2014

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