Southern Rhône Slide 2

Single varietal dry wines are rarely produced in the Southern Rhône with appellation rules generally forbidding them. One exception is Châteauneuf-du-Pape which allows 100% Grenache. Blending wine is done to provide color and texture to the wine by using grape varieties that have different profiles. Grenache is often dominant and adds spicy fruit flavors. Syrah usually adds color and tannin while Cinsault brings fruity acidity and Mourvèdre firmer tannins. The white varieties are all generally low in acid but would struggle to ripen in cooler climates. White wines tend to be full flavored and rich. Viticulture is harsh with bush vines typical in the warm sun and wind breaks created to protect from the strong winds as there are no slopes to use.