Chateauneuf-du-Pape

Let's look into Chateauneuf-du-Pape (CDP).  My current tour offering centers around CDP and it's vineyards. And for good reasons. While not as well known to the American market, the varietal (grape) that stands out in CDP is the Grenache. It is among 13 authorized grape varietals. 

Actually the history of this grape starts in the Aragon region of Northern Spain where it's called Garnacha.  It didn't have to travel far to arrive in Southern France where it did well in the warm climate of the Southern Rhone. When combined with Syrah and Mourvèdre, it creates the popular blend GSM. 

Among the various soil types of the region,  the best known are the Galets Roulés (rolled pebbles), that distinguish this wine with it's distinct regional flavors and aid in the ripening of the grape.