Chateauneuf du Pape

Chateauneuf du Pape is the most renowned designation of the Southern Rhone, it covers 3,200 ha. Its vineyards are for the most part relatively flat, and the pebble soils retain the heat of the sun and accelerate the maturity of the grapes, but part of the designation, in particular the famous Château Rayas, is located on a sandy limestone soil and hills of varying altitude. The yields are limited to 35 hl / ha and 13 red grape varieties are authorized, the dominant Grenache, followed by Mourvèdre, Syrah, Cinsaut, Muscardin, Vaccarèse, Picpoul being the main ones to produce red wines. 5 white grape varieties, Grenache blanc, Clairette, Bourboulenc, Roussanne, and Picardan are used for white wines. The resulting reds are deep ruby, powerful, rich, with aromas of cedar, chocolate, tar, violet, and the opulent whites, with notes of flowers and white fruits.