Wine of France. The Châteauneuf du Pape AOC is one of the oldest and most well known in the Rhône Valley. The region’s Mediterranean climate, low rainfall and typical pebble soil provide ideal conditions for viticulture. After a long pre-fermentation, maceration is done to extract the aromatic compounds from the skins, vinification is conducted at a controlled temperature. 3-5 months ageing allows the tannins to soften and gives the wine its spicy, oaky and silky character. Alcohol content, ABV (13%).