This famously alcoholic grape and supreme absorber of heat is the mainstay of southern Rhône blends, notably Châteauneuf-du-Pape, and as garnacha, a foil for the earlier-ripening tempranillo in Rioja. It also produces the meditation-grade liqueur or fortified wines of the Roussillon (Banyuls, Rivesaltes et al) that take chocolate in their stride.
