What is the dominant grape variety in Chateauneuf du Pape?

The dominant grape variety in Châteauneuf-du-Pape is Grenache Noir. This variety is a cornerstone of the region's red wines, making up a significant proportion of the blends produced there. Grenache Noir thrives in the Mediterranean climate of the Southern Rhône Valley, where it benefits from the warm weather and is able to achieve a high level of ripeness, leading to wines that are rich in fruit flavors, with notes of red berries, spice, and sometimes a hint of earthiness.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape is known for its complex blends, consisting of up to 13 permitted grape varieties, but Grenache Noir is the most widely planted and crucial for the region's identity. The characteristics imparted by Grenache are integral to the style of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, contributing to its reputation for producing full-bodied, luxurious wines with a potential for aging. The other grape varieties, while important, do not dominate the blend in the same way Grenache does.