Which grape variety is most commonly planted in the southern Rhone?

Grenache is the most commonly planted grape variety in the southern Rhône region of France. This grape thrives in the warm, dry climate of the area, allowing it to produce wines with rich fruit flavors and a high alcohol content. Grenache is also notable for its ability to blend well with other grape varieties, lending complexity and balance to wines. It often forms the backbone of many well-known blends, such as those from Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Côtes du Rhône, where it is typically combined with varietals like Syrah and Mourvèdre.

In the southern Rhône, Grenache is valued not just for its flavor profile, but also for its adaptability to various terroirs within the region, which contributes to the diversity of styles produced. While Viognier is a significant white grape in the northern Rhône and to a lesser extent in some parts of the south, it does not compare to the volume of Grenache plantings. Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot are not characteristic of the southern Rhône; Sauvignon Blanc is more associated with regions like Bordeaux and the Loire Valley, while Merlot is primarily linked to Bordeaux and not a staple in the Rhône Valley. Thus, Grenache stands out as the predominant variety in the southern Rhône.