Holiday Gifting Guide 2023: The Best Châteauneuf-du-Papes

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The historic wine region of Châteauneuf-du-Pape plays a major role in French wine history, but also in the Catholic Church. French King Philip IV finagled the election of a Frenchman, Clement V to the papacy, quickly losing favor in Roma. This prompted Clement V to move to Avignon, and take up a position of power in Southern France. Two popes simultaneously grasping for power. The famous castle on the hill above Avignon now lays in ruins, and was built for Clement V's successor, Pope John XXII. With the exodus from Roma brought many loyal Catholics, a lot of whom did wine for a living. The 14th century and onwards in the Rhône Valley have been a hotbed of wine innovation and high quality pursuits, thanks to The Great Schism. Today, Châteauneuf-du-Pape is known as one of the most noble wines on the planet. Made from up to 13 allowable grape varieties from the appellation, the wines can age for decades. Here are my picks for the best Châteauneuf-du-Papes to give as gifts in 2023: