Wines worthy of the popes are produced here. This is the place where the Templar order settled in 1157 to found the Castrum Novum.
The Pope John XXII transformed the castle into a residence and gave a definitive boost to local viticulture.
Châteauneuf did not take its present name until the 19th century, and is in every respect an exception. Its rocky hill, essentially composed of clay and sand, can be seen from afar. A plain surrounds it, covered with a thick layer of round, reddish pebbles from the ancient glaciers of the Rhone Valley.
Thirteen grape varieties are permitted, the most common being Grenache Noir, Cinsault, Mourvèdre, Syrah, Muscardin, Counoise, Clairette and Bourboulenc, all of which producing astonishing, powerful, dense and beautiful wines.