In the Southern Rhône, Grenache dominates the blends.  The most common appellation, Cotes du Rhone, encompasses more than 30,000 hectares of vineyards, whereas the more famous village-specific communes such as Chateauneuf du Pape, Lirac, Gigondas and the like are comparatively tiny areas.  Wines from all of these tend to be Grenache-dominant, with Syrah, Mourvedre and Cinsault usually present, and in significant proportions.  Some 13 varieties are permitted in the blend, although few include all.  The hot, dry summers and flat, gallet-covered vineyards produce rich, ripe and deeply-flavoured wines, powerful and age-worthy, and utterly delicious.