Papal wines

Sunday 28 April

During most of the 14th century the popes lived in Avignon, rather than Rome, and there is a very grand papal palace there to show for it.

The popes who lived in Avignon enjoyed a glass or two and encouraged viticulture in the area by taking steps such as drinking the wine. The wines from a particular area near Avignon became known as Chateauneuf-du-Pape and remain so to this day.

We visited the Cave at Chateauneuf-du-Pape (we would call it the cellar door) and tried the wines. One of the sommeliers, Ben, helped us with the tasting (another cute French accent - the ladies were hanging on his every word.)

Today Chateauneuf-du-Pape is world famous thanks largely to Robert Parker. He wasn't a pope, but a very influential US wine critic who really liked the wines and said so loudly. After today's tasting I agree with him.

P

P.S. Unrelated to wines - did you know there were 3 popes at the same time during part of the 14th century? One in Rome, one in Avignon, and one elected by the council of Pisa (not sure where he lived.)