Conventionally trellised vines could be shredded leaves or broken by the wind. Vintage variation exists in Chateauneuf-du-Pape, but poor vintages are very infrequent. The aforementioned blends are created from 22 potential varieties. Grenache Noir, which is the backbone of almost every red wine in the region, accounts for nearly three quarters of all vines.
Syrah and then Mourvedre are the next most planted varieties. Syrah alone makes up about the same amount of acreage as that of the next 19 varieties combined. The foremost among those is Cinsault. Grenache Blanc leads among white varieties, followed closely by Clairette. Roussanne and Bourboulenc are nearly even with each other. They combine for about the same acreage as Clairette. This thin-skinned, Spanish grape variety came to the vicinity of Chateauneuf-du-Pape roughly years ago.
In these days of global warming, those characteristics may be less ideal. Fortunately, by law, Grenache Noir must be head-trained in Chateauneuf-du-Pape. While that may have been, in part, to protect the vines from Mistral winds, it also slows ripening. That, coupled with increased planting of Syrah and Mourvedre over the past 20 or so years, means blends can still find balance.
Though Syrah is the only red wine grape of the Northern Rhone and is the second most-planted in Chateauneuf-du-Pape, its position in the latter region is fairly recent. The key to Syrah in Chateauneuf-du-Pape is location.
It does well in well-drained, stony soils that limit vigor and berry size. Northern facings, which limit sun exposure, help keep ripeness at reasonable levels too. When all is right, Syrah adds dark color, tannic backbone, black fruit, and savory notes to what could otherwise be overly happy, red-fruited wine. Mourvedre is also a Spanish variety, but has been prominent, even dominant, in various regions of southern France for a good years. For most of that time, it made an often overwhelmingly tannic wine.
And it thrives in exactly the places Syrah does not. Like Syrah, it contributes tannins, color, and black fruit flavors. But it brings somewhat different savory notes than Syrah, while doubling down on the leather. Cinsault loves hot, sunny climates. Its ability to tolerate them without getting flabby or overly alcoholic led to a rise in Chateauneuf-du-Pape plantings starting about 50 years ago.
Another Spanish variety, Grenache Blanc is now more important in France than its home country. The character and quality of Grenache Blanc wines can vary wildly, depending on growing conditions. It ranges from full-bodied, low acid, generously alcoholic, and under-flavored in hot, dry regions to light, fine-boned, juicy, and pretty when both ripening and yields are carefully managed. In Chateauneuf-du-Pape, its character lies between those extremes.
It provides more acidity than some of the other varieties common there, but is still voluminous on the palate. Aromas lean toward orchard fruits, occasionally with floral highlights.
Clairette is a leisurely ripener, so it works well in the hot, dry situations that lead Grenache Blanc astray. It adds weight and alcoholic richness to Chateauneuf-du-Pape blends, white and red, without being obtrusive from a flavor perspective.
Roussanne can make compelling wines on its own, but is more often a factor in blends. It offers acidity, dry extract from the grape pulp which contributes light, tannin-like structure, and generous body. Like the varieties above, Roussanne has an orchard fruit and flowers personality. But it also offers compelling side notes such as honey, almond, and even coffee.
Roussanne ages well, which adds to its value both standalone and in white or red blends. The aging curve is unique though. The wine is very good when young, then disappears for awhile only to come back strong several years later. This variety, origin unknown, is another heat-tolerant grape. Its character is mild, but the high acidity adds life and brightness to blends. Varietal Bourboulenc wines are exceptionally rare.
Irrigation is generally prohibited during the growing season. It may be allowed in drought years, but only twice per season and only with special permission. Here we can find similar blends of grape varieties, soils and climates, for example Lirac AOC which features in the list below.
The list also includes wines from elsewhere in France, for example the Coume del Mas, Quadratur from Collioure in the Roussillon. Arguably its flagship grape variety, Grenache is widely planted throughout the Roussillon, with many old vine plantings.
This wine offers flavours of ripe blackberries and plums and a savoury, meaty complexity. The Controlled Appellation. Cellar door. More information. Subscribe to the Newsletter. Subscribe to be informed of our latest news. Contact us. Facebook-f Instagram Youtube.
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