How many grape varieties are permitted in the production of Châteauneuf-du-Pape?

How many grape varieties are permitted in the production of Châteauneuf-du-Pape?

• A. 9
• B. 11
• C. 13
• D. 15

Answer: (C)

The question is testing knowledge of how many grape varieties are legally allowed to be used in Châteauneuf-du-Pape blends. The appellation sets a fixed list of varieties that may be used in its wines, and the maximum number on that list is thirteen. This broad palette is a hallmark of the region, contributing to the wine’s complexity by allowing producers to blend from several different grape varieties, with Grenache often forming the backbone alongside others such as Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cinsault, Counoise, and additional permitted varieties. The key idea is that the regulation specifies a cap of thirteen varieties, not a smaller or larger number, which is why thirteen is the correct answer. Other totals don’t match the official regulation.

The question is testing knowledge of how many grape varieties are legally allowed to be used in Châteauneuf-du-Pape blends. The appellation sets a fixed list of varieties that may be used in its wines, and the maximum number on that list is thirteen. This broad palette is a hallmark of the region, contributing to the wine’s complexity by allowing producers to blend from several different grape varieties, with Grenache often forming the backbone alongside others such as Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cinsault, Counoise, and additional permitted varieties. The key idea is that the regulation specifies a cap of thirteen varieties, not a smaller or larger number, which is why thirteen is the correct answer. Other totals don’t match the official regulation.