A handful of grapes are used to produce the wine, including Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, Cinsault, Counoise and Terret Noir grapes. And while there are both red and white varietals of the appellation, a whopping 94 percent of the wine produced is the rich, full-bodied red wine. With notes of blackberries, strawberries, black currants, kirsch, black and red cherries, textures are luscious when young and like the mark of many fine wines, only get better with age. The freshness and spice of a red Châteauneuf-du-Pape pairs beautifully with hearty dishes like grilled beef, duck, sausage, lamb, stews and rich seafood dishes.
The white appellation tends to be a significantly younger wine. Most should be imbibed within four to five years, although a few can age much longer. Grenache Blanc, Counoise, Vaccarese A crisp wine, the wine possesses floral, fruity notes with an alcohol content of about 14 percent, this appellation is becoming increasingly sought after. Excellent food pairings include chicken, various hard and soft cheeses and virtually all types of seafood, ranging from shellfish like lobster and shrimp to sushi.
Discover the flavorful Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine during a Provençal river journey with our Colors of Provence Wine Cruise.