Arguably, the best wine in the world is produced at Chateauneuf-du-Pape.
Chateauneuf-du-Pape is in the Vaucluse department of Provence, three kilometres west of the Rhone and 11 km north of Avignon. The name means 'the new castle of the pope'.
A ruined mediaeval castle sits at the top of the village and dominates the landscape to the south. It was built in the 14th century for Pope John XXII, the second of the popes who resided in Avignon. The commune is famous for the production of red wine and almost all the cultivable land is planted with grapevines.
The wine classified as Châteauneuf-du-Pape Appellation d'origine contrôlée (AOC) is produced from grapes grown in the commune of Châteauneuf-du-Pape as well as in portions of the four adjoining communes in the Vaucluse department. The vineyards cover an area of approximately 3,200 ha. Unlike its northern Rhône neighbours, Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC permits thirteen different varieties of grape in red wine but the blend must be predominantly Grenache. In 2010 there were 320 producers. The total annual production is around 13 million bottles of which 95 percent is red. The remainder is white: the production of rosé is not permitted.
In the late 17th century, Châteauneuf-du-Pape was a fortified village looking like this.
Today it is a working town of narrow, steep streets and sun-kissed golden stone.
Plenty of tourists come to visit but most stay elsewhere - Avignon, Orange, Uzès, Nimes, Pont du Gard, Gourdes and Arles.
Despite the heat we climb up towards the castle at the top of the village.
Up and up. The vines are everywhere you look.
Almost there.
And then the amazing view across the vines and along La Vallée du Rhone opens up before us.
The old chateau, its north wall still clinging strongly to the rock.
The mighty Rhone and Avignon are not far distant.
The vines cover every available space. Their distinctive rocky groundcover reflects heat and light onto the fruit.
Still green in early July, harvest won't occur until August and September.
Some of these vines are very old.
And some are very young ...
But all are full of sunshine and promise.
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