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In most red Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Grenache noir is the most common variety...
10 sats \ 6 comments \ @Bell_curve 8 Oct food_and_drinks
zaps forwarded to @freetx (50%)
I asked Claude.ai, what should I buy?
Great choice! Châteauneuf-du-Pape offers excellent wines, but prices vary widely (from around $30 to $200+). Here are some recommendations:
Classic/Traditional Producers:
  • Château de Beaucastel - One of the most famous, uses all 13 varieties, elegant and age-worthy
  • Vieux Télégraphe - Consistently excellent, powerful yet balanced
  • Domaine du Vieux Lazaret - More affordable, reliable quality
Modern/Concentrated Style:
  • Clos des Papes - Rich, powerful, highly rated
  • Domaine de la Janasse - Lush fruit, modern style
  • Château Rayas - Legendary but very expensive and hard to find
Good Value:
  • Domaine du Pégau - Traditional style, fairly priced
  • Domaine de la Mordorée - Excellent quality-to-price ratio
  • Château Mont-Redon - Large estate, consistent and accessible
A few questions to narrow it down:
  • What's your budget?
  • Do you prefer fruit-forward wines or more earthy/structured ones?
  • Are you drinking it soon or cellaring it?
Most CDP benefits from decanting and many can age 10-20+ years, so that might influence your choice!
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0 sats \ 5 replies \ @Bell_curve OP 8 Oct
@freetx Any specific brands or bottles you like from the pope in Avignon?
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18 sats \ 4 replies \ @Bell_curve OP 8 Oct
Claude recommended my first bottle should be 40 to 70 bucks.
More from Claude:
Yes, exactly! Châteauneuf-du-Pape is very close to Avignon - only about 15-20 km (9-12 miles) to the north. It's basically a quick drive or bike ride away.
Some cool context:
  • The name "Châteauneuf-du-Pape" literally means "the Pope's new castle"
  • In the 14th century, the papal court moved from Rome to Avignon (the "Avignon Papacy"), and the popes built a summer residence in this village
  • They planted vineyards there, and that's how the region's wine reputation began!
  • You can still see the ruins of the papal castle overlooking the vineyards
The region is in the Southern Rhône Valley in Provence. It's a beautiful area - lots of sun, those famous large rounded stones (galets) in the vineyards that retain heat, and gorgeous countryside.
If you ever visit Avignon, Châteauneuf-du-Pape makes an easy and worthwhile day trip for wine tasting. The village itself is charming and many wineries offer tours and tastings.
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11 sats \ 3 replies \ @freetx fwd 23h
40 to 70 bucks.
Thats probably right. The one I most recently had was that price range (65). Was the Vieux de Telegramme....It has the more expensive older brother Vieux de Telegraphe (I guess telephones cost more than telegrams) that goes for over 100. Only had it once with dinner at a place in Vegas but was really good.
Not an "everyday" wine, but interesting to try on occasion.
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18 sats \ 2 replies \ @Bell_curve OP 23h
I went to Avignon my freshmen year of high school, part of a European history trip during spring/Easter break
Unfortunately, our history teacher chaperone guides did not take us to the vineyards only the papal castle, which was before iPhone so I can't find any pictures from the trip!
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11 sats \ 1 reply \ @freetx fwd 23h
About 10 years ago I did a trip to southern rhone area and did a few wine tours. Didn't go specifically to an CdP wineries, but I did like the general wine style in the region. Beautiful area, personally would probably rather do "country france" rather than Paris.
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21 sats \ 0 replies \ @Bell_curve OP 23h
Paris is turning into Mecca or Beirut
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