Wines of southern france
In terms of grape variety, the Rhone Valley is divided into two regions: the ink-black wines of Syrah-dominated north and the Grenache-influenced south. The north and south differ not only in terrain and climate, but also contrast socially, culturally, and gastronomically.
The Southern Rhone is a blender’s paradise with a choice of up to 23 different grape varieties. It is a district dominated by herbal scrubland covered largely with olive groves, lavender fields and grape vineyards. The soil is made up of limestone, clay and pebbles. The climate is unmistakably Mediterranean which is perfect for the mellow warmth needed to grow Grenache. It accounts for 95% of all wine grown in the Rhone Valley.
The name Chateaunef-du-Pape (the literal translation is “new home of the Pope”)dates back to the time of the dual Papacy in the 14th century. The appellation is well known for its stony soil, which at night reflects the heat stored during the day. You can smell and taste this terroir in any glass of CdP.
While most CdP wines are traditionally blended with only four to five grape varietals, there can be up to 13 grape varietals that are allowed in a CdP wine. And, due to the limitless variations of terroir, it is virtually impossible to describe a typical Chateauneuf-du-Pape. But most fit in to two basic categories: the traditional, full, dark, spicy, longlived style and the modern, easy-drinking, unashamedly upfront and brimming with lip-smacking, juicy-jammy fruit. Both are, however, much warmer and spicier than the greatest wines of the Hermitage and Cote Rotie (famous Northern Rhone wines).
Winemaking in Chateauneuf-du-Pape is still in an evolutionary state. The steady decline of the traditionally dominant Grenache has speeded up as more growers are convinced of the worth of Syrah and Mouvedre. The Cinsault, Terret Noir, and Counoise are the secondary, but very much appreciated varietals found in CdP wines.