Featured Wine

CDP

A bit of a startling realization has sunk in: not enough people know about Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Arguably a hub for some of the most remarkable wines in the world, this locale in the Southern Rhone is too often relegated to supporting status behind the more popular Burgundy and Bordeaux regions of France.

It may be that it’s a bit difficult to pronounce. Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Not the easiest thing to order off of a wine list, is it? Try this… “SHA-tow-nuff-do-pahp” should help those who never took French in high school. The name, which translates to “new castle of the Pope,” refers to the proximity of the region to the fabled city of Avignon which housed the Papacy when it was ousted from Rome in the 14th Century.

Wines from this corner of Provence tend to easily exhibit an honesty and versatility which match autumn and hearty food. Built on a foundation of Grenache, most Châteauneuf-du-Papes, or “CDP’s” as they are often abbreviated as, are a blend of as many as thirteen different grape varietals allowing for tremendous complexity and flexibility for food pairing.

Tasting notes usually involve rusticity, macerated raspberries, pepper, and dried herbs. If you’ve never tried one, please do. This noble appellation needs to be known and loved by many more folks.

The following is our selection of CDP’s, listed from most elegant at the top, to fullest and richest on the bottom:


2004 Châteauneuf-du-Pape “La Cuvée du Papet,” Clos du Mont-Olivet 167
2005 Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Clos du Mont-Olivet 83
2001 Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Pignan du Château Rayas 132
2006 Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Clos des Brusquières 90
2000 Châteauneuf-du-Pape “Réserve des Célestins,” Henri Bonneau 396
2004 Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Château de Beaucastel 180
2003 Châteauneuf-du-Pape “Hommage à Jacques Perrin,” Château de Beaucastel 650