Chateau Mont Redon

Château Mont-Redon owns 186 hectares in the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation, of which 100 are planted. They produce wines from three appellations in the Rhône valley: Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Lirac and Côtes du Rhône. They cultivate and vinify all 13 white and red grape varieties to make a Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine. Grenache is the predominant grape in all blends and with such a large palette of grapes, the vineyard is able to create subtle relationships and complexity between them. The property was mentioned as far back as 1344, “Mourredon”, as part of the Pope’s land holdings, and was officially recognised as a vineyard.

Chateau de Beaucastel

In 1549, Pierre de Beaucastel bought a plot of land at Coudoulet and built a manor house. In 1687, Pierre de Beaucastel was appointed « Capitaine de la ville de Courthezon » by Louis XIV, in recognition of his conversion to Catholicism.  Louis XIV's letter, also signed by Colbert, is still visible at the Château. The Chateau exists today much as it did in the 16th century.

Chateauneuf-du-Pape AOC allows for 18 varieties of grapes. Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre are the main 3 grape varieties used. The Grenache dominates and has an earthy, jammy consistency  of red fruits, cherry and prunes and high in alcohol. Syrah brings hints of pepper spice and black fruits and tannins for structure.  The Mouvedre grape brings hints of chocolate and licorice.

Close to Avignon are the AOC areas of Gigondas, Vacqueyras, Beaumes de Venise  at the foot of the Dentelles de Montmirail mountain range that divide the appellation in two distinct areas - one with a cooler climate making the wines a little fresher. These high alcohol content wines are produced with similar grapes and climate but vary due to the cooler elevation. 

Terroir

The stony pebbles (Galets), is one of the secrets of the outstanding Chateauneuf-du-Pape wine. The stones soak up and store the heat from the Provencal sunshine during the day, and release the heat into the night, after sunset. The stones also serve as a protective layer to retain moisture in the soil during the dry summer months, depending on which direction the vineyard is facing.

Vacqueyras is only a few miles from Gigondas and shares a similar terroir, known for its power rather than its elegance. Producers of Vacqueyras use more Syrah than is used in Gigondas, which can make the style seem cooler.  Both are comparable to Chateauneuf du Pape wines but at much lower prices.  Beaumes de Venise has exceptional soil and produces a natural sweet Muscat de Beaumes de Venise.

History

The history of Provence could be told through the history of its vineyards, which have produced distinguished wines to honour the region for over 2,600 years, and is the oldest in France. You will find the great appellations d'origine controlee in an infinite choice of colours and Provencal grape varieties.

Vine cultivation, was already known to the Gauls, and widely developed by the Romans. Monks were the first to clear the land and cultivate these vineyards. The arrival of the Popes and their desire to drink only the best wines wherever they went, further promoted the local wines as did the priests who were instrumental in extending vine cultivation.  In 1344, Mourredon, part of the Pope's land holdings, was officially recognized as a vineyard.

Provence is France's largest producer of rosé wines and 4th leading wine growing region. The wines benefit form the famous Provencal weather and Mistral winds.

Chateauneuf du Pape Wine Adventures

Chateauneuf du Pape is famous for it top quality red wines, which were the choice of Popes for hundreds of year. Avignon is our starting point and the gateway to Provence even though it is in the Cote du Rhone wine appellation. If visiting Avignon you will not want to miss Les Baux de Provence, Pont du Gard, and other Provencal highlights.

Multi Region Journeys