Few know it, but the AOC Châteauneuf du Pape also exists in white, with a so-called confidential production since it does not exceed 7% of the total of wines from the appellation. This does not prevent his fame from being important.
Known for its 13 grape varieties used to vinify a red wine, the AOC Châteauneuf du Pape has 6 for the production of its whites, and Grenache blanc is the most commonly used grape variety. Low in acid, it brings structure and length on the palate, a floral bouquet and notes of citrus fruits and summer stone fruits. Clairette, which is the main grape variety for the sparkling white wine known as Clairette de Die, is also low in acidity, with floral, sometimes vegetal (linden, fennel) and fruity (apple, apricot, peach) notes. The Bourboulenc grape variety contributes to the structure by bringing nervousness and finesse, it greatly contributes to the florality of the white wines of Châteauneuf du Pape and develops aromas such as almond and green apple. Finally, the Picpoul grape, or Piquepoul, a grape variety found in the Languedoc white wine Picpoul de Pinet, is more lively, adds freshness and fruitiness.
As with the red Châteauneuf du Pape, the white wines of Châteauneuf du Pape are mostly made from a combination of these grape varieties, and the blends are not the same from one producer to another. Grenache is the main grape variety in most of the white wines of Châteauneuf du Pape, but you can also find blended wines with Clairette or Roussanne as the main variety, which adds to the variety of AOC wines.