Approximately 70% of the viticole is planted to Grenache. Syrah and Mourvèdre follow at a distant second and third, respectively. This means that all the others are just salt and pepper to a Grenache-dominant vinous stew.

But clearly, red, white and pink-skinned grapes are going into these bottlings. Are there white grapes in red Châteauneuf-du-Pape? Yes. But, the red and white grapes are vinified together. There is no blending of red and white wines to make red Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

This appellation receives the full brunt of the Mistral, a cold north wind. The Mistral desiccates the grapes. This is largely viewed as a positive as it concentrates sugars and flavor compounds. But a prolonged Mistral can also suck too much water from the vines, forcing them to close their stomata to prevent dehydration. This, in turn, shuts photosynthesis down, and can negatively impact maturity.

A prolonged hot spell has the same effect. Photosynthesis shuts down once temperatures crest 95°F. Fortunately, it is sunshine that ripens a grape, not excessive heat. And the Rhône gets plenty of light…2,700 hours of it!

7. Interested in learning more about or studying the Rhône Valley and its wines?

Take a look at our Master Level Rhône Valley Course:

And our 2018 Rhône Valley Immersion Education Tour!