Châteauneuf-du-Pape is the most famous of the Rhône Valley appellations.
Known for its quality wines, Châteauneuf-du-Pape also stands out for the 13 grape varieties that characterise the appellation: Black-White-Grey Grenache, Mourvèdre, Syrah, Cinsault, Muscardin, Counoise, Rosé-White Clairette, Bourboulenc, Roussanne, Black-White-Grey Piquepoul, Picardan, Terret and Vacarèse.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape also owes its fame to its terroir, in particular the galets roulés (large, round rocks), which have been worn smooth by water over time. These rocks store the heat of the sun during the day and release it to the vines in the cool night air.
The red wines of Châteauneuf-du-Pape have excellent structure and powerful, expressive noses, with delicious aromas of candied fruits, liquorice and spices. These wines lend themselves very well to a long laying-down period.
The white wines may not be as famous, but they are known to superbly complement gastronomic cuisine with their aromatic expressiveness.