Decanter's tasting team picks five Châteauneufs across different prices for the table this festive season....
Châteauneuf-du-Pape, in the southern Rhône, derives from the French for ‘the Pope’s new castle’ and refers to the period between 1309 and 1378 when the seat of the Papacy was based in Avignon.
Although famous for allowing the use of up to 18 specified grape varieties, most red Châteauneuf is Grenache based which lends a deep colour, full structure, red and black fruit flavours, a rich texture and a high alcohol content.
Consider a Christmas Châteauneuf for a step up in quality from your ‘everyday’ wine at this special time of year, thanks to the high standards maintained in the region. At least some of your friends and family will be familiar with the name too – bonus points to the host…
Below, our tasting team has selected five wines at different prices to suit your pocket.
Christmas Châteauneuf
Updated 30/11/16
