Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Located between the towns of Avignon and Orange, Grenache dominates the vineyards, and this grape performs better in Châteauneuf-du-Pape than anywhere else in France. There are 13 different permitted grapes, however Grenache plays the starring role in the reds, supported by Syrah and Mourvèdre, adding a lick of spice, structure and silken texture.

The full palette of red and white varieties includes Cinsault, Clairette, Vaccarèse, Bourboulenc, Counoise, Muscardin, Picpoul, Picardan and Terret Noir. The soils here are renowned for their galets roulés – large, round, pudding stones that reflect heat back up into the vines, encouraging ripening. Production is dominated by red, but small volumes of white are made too, with Grenache Blanc, Clairette, Roussanne, Bourboulenc, Picpoul and Picardin.