Chateauneuf-du-Pape

Let's continue our 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.

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 pebbly soil of CDP.

It's those rocks, the Galets Roulés, that inadvertently give this wine it's distinct regional flavors and aid in the ripening of the grape. 

This will be the subject of a future blog, the idea that the surrounding environment influences the taste of the wine.  Suffice it to say that it's why you have to go to CDP to experience this authentic Rhoné wine.