A guide to saying it correctly
How to Pronounce Châteauneuf-Du-Pape
A famous French wine region's name, pronounced with a French flair but understandable to English speakers.
châteauneuf-du-pape
SHAT-oh-NUFF-doo-PAHP
/ˈʃatoʊˌnɜfˈduːpɑːp/ · SHAT · oh · NUFF · doo · PAHP
Native US English · Kokoro neural TTS · 0:01
You'll most commonly encounter this name on wine lists at restaurants or in specialty wine shops. It's also frequently mentioned in articles and reviews discussing fine wines, particularly those from the Rhône Valley.
Where the word comes from
The name 'Châteauneuf-du-Pape' literally means 'new castle of the Pope' in Old French, referring to the papal palace built in the 14th century.
Common ways people get it wrong
- CHAT-uh-noo-fuh-du-pap This often happens by trying to pronounce every letter as it might appear in English. Remember the 'eau' is like 'oh' and the 'f' is soft.
- SHAT-uh-noo-fuh-du-PAH-pay The final 'e' in Pape is silent in French, so it's a simple 'pahp' sound, not 'pah-pay'.
Frequently asked
Is it a type of grape?
No, Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a wine appellation (a legally defined region) in the Southern Rhône Valley of France. The wines are typically blends of many grape varieties.
What's the 'du Pape' part mean?
The 'du Pape' translates to 'of the Pope'. It refers to the period in the 14th century when the Popes resided in Avignon, near the wine region.
Is it a red or white wine?
While most famously known for its powerful red wines, Châteauneuf-du-Pape also produces a distinct white wine, which is less common but highly regarded.
