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The Southern Rhône stretches from Valence into
Provence above Avignon. The south is flatter, hotter
and wetter than the north and the wines are blended
with an array of grapes - in Châteauneuf du
Pape itself, up to 13 grape varieties are
permitted. Grenache dominates the red
production and the earthy and warming wines of
Châteauneuf du Pape, Gigondas & Vacqueyras
provide wonderful accompaniments to stews, roasts or
cheeses.
The whites, from the same grapes as in the north plus
Clairette, Grenache Blanc and Bourboulenc, are fairly
rare accounting for only 5% of production.
These wines, along with their rosé
counterparts (in Lirac & Tavel) are best drunk
young (within 3 years of the vintage) and are great
partners to chicken, fish or seafood.
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