Vines of Chateauneuf du Pape
|
 The Côtes du Rhône grape varieties
The regulations of the A.O.C. Côtes du Rhône allows for the utilization of 21 grape varieties. Some are used as the main ingredient (Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Viognier, Marsanne, Roussanne, Bourboulenc, Clairette), others are secondary (Cinsault, Carignan, Counoise, Picpoul...).
In the northern part of the appelation, the vineyards' vines are most often mono-varietal. The moderate and regular climate, which permits the fruit to ripen without excess while giving it its specific character, creates the diversity of the wines.
In the southern part, the many climatic and geological variations favour the growing of a large number of varieties.
|
|
 |
The 13 varieties of Châteauneuf du Pape
|
Grenache 1 / Black Grenache |
Very robust and fertile variety, but susceptible to failure if pollen washes off (at its flowering time). Flowering takes place between June 5 and 15; it reaches maturity between September 15 and October 10, depending on the zones. It resists wind well and drought very well. The Grenache provides the basis for the southern red wines and some fruity rosés .
Oenological aptitude : High alcohol potential, low acidity, mellow. |
2 / White Grenache |
Robust grapes with intermediary ripening.
For the other characteristics, see Black Grenache.
Oenological aptitude : it makes for full-bodied white wines, not acidic, well-rounded and lingering. |
Syrah |
Expressive variety with much vegetation. Flowering takes place between June 5 and 15. It reaches ripeness between September 10 and October 5, depending on the zones and the years. It like gentle climatic situations, not too much contrast. Syrah is the sole red variety used by the Local Appellations Locales (Crus) of the northern Côtes du Rhône.
Because of its aromatic richness and its colouring intensity, Syrah is also used more and more in the southern Côtes du Rhône.
Oenological aptitude : Strong colour, resists oxidation, tannic, aromatic (raspberry, blackcurrant, violet, licorice). |
Mourvèdre |
Variety of average fertility . Flowering takes place between June 5 and 15. It reaches ripeness starting in October. It is very demanding of heat and light most of all during the ripening period. Its water needs are low but regular. It is sensitive to wind.
Oenological aptitude : Tannins of excellent quality for the red wines. The intensity and quality of its aromas grows with aging. It has stong antioxidant powers. |
Cinsault |
Robust enough variety with a good and regular fertility. It reaches ripeness in the first half of September. It needs lots of heat and resists drought and wind.
Oenological aptitude : Weak coloration, elegant and fruity aromas, little acidity, few tannins. Particularly suited for rosé wines vinified by "bleeding" and for new wines. |
|
Counoise |
Once known under the name of "Moustardier" in the vineyards of Châteauneuf du Pape and Tavel. In our day it is hardly cultivated.
|
Muscardin |
This variety brings to the blend a floral bouquet and a pleasant freshness. |
Vaccarèse |
A very fresh and elegant flavour with interesting and original floral aromas.
|
Terret noir |
It makes lightly coloured, fresh, light wines with a nice bouquet. |
Clairette |
Very robust variety, it reaches ripeness between September 25 and October 25. It is pretty sensitive to the wind. It favours meager soils, dry and pebbly.
Oenological aptitude : It makes for mellow wines of floral aromas, well-balanced and complex. |
Roussanne |
Variety of medium robustness, it reaches ripeness during September. Warm, pebbly, well-drained soils, meager and arid soils of the hillsides, or silty-calcareous pebbly subsoils suit it. It is a graceful variety of great finesse.
Oenological aptitude : It makes distinguished wines, well-balanced and complex, developing floral tastes (honeysuckle, iris). |
Bourboulenc |
Rustic and robust variety, it reaches ripeness between September 25 and October 25. Very demanding of heat (its late maturity allows it only the southern, well-exposed sectors).
Oenological aptitude: It makes for highly refeshing white wines with floral aromas, low in alcohol and to be drunk young.
|
Picpoul blanc |
A not often cultivated variety that makes for well-rounded wines with a lovely aromatic expression on notes of flowers and fruit with sometimes an iodized hint. |
Picardan |
The taste of the Picardan grape is delicate, very sweet and lightly musky. |
|
To the 13 different grape varieties, come the following :
Carignan noir Robust variety with a good and regular fertility. It flowers between June 8 and 15, reaching ripeness quite late, between September 25 and October 25 depending on the zones. It needs lots of heat and is not bothered by drought nor wind; the hot, dry fields on the hillside particularly suit it.
Oenological aptitude : From not very fertile soil and from hillsides, it makes a wine of a beautiful colour, structured and tannic. Its vinification by carbonic maceration allows the extraction of the maximum of aromas.
Viognier Robust grape, it reaches maturity at the beginning of September. Rustic, it is happy with poor soil, dry and pebbly.
Oenological aptitude : Rich in alcohol, it makes well-rounded wines of great aromatic presence with tones of violet, honey, then musk, peach and apricot.
Ugni blanc Sensitive to the wind, It makes for a pale and well-balanced enough wine. It brings an acidic touch that can complement the too supple wine of some varieties.
Calitor rouge, Gamay noir, Pinot noir, Mauzac blanc
They are cited for remembrance, because their cultivation today has practically disappeared (They were stopped by the new rule). |
|
|
