Grenache
(greh-NAASH)
Sun-Worshiper
This sun-worshiping grape gets ripe and loves hot, dry weather. Popular in
Spain
(called Garnacha),
Australia and the southern
Rhone region of France, Grenache
is the primary grape in regions such as
Chateauneuf-du-Pape,
Tavel,
and
Priorat.
It's often tamed by less fleshy, more structured grapes like
Syrah,
Mourvedre
or
Tempranillo
- Grenache is the "G" in GSM blends of Australia. Also, because of its thin
skins and high ripeness level, Grenache is ideal for producing delicious yet
dry rose wines.
Notable Facts
High sugars give this grape character and ensure a full-bodied wine, but lower
levels of acid and tannin enhance its candidacy as a blender. Intensive pruning
on older vines gives Grenache enough structure to maintain its balance as a sole
varietal, which is popular - and successful - in California, Australia and sometimes
Spain, but many vintners rely on blending to keep this alcohol-happy grape in
check. Typical flavors of Grenache are jam, spice, dried fruit, earthiness and some
pepper, depending on where it's grown. Old vine Grenache makes an intense and distinct dry wine, and in regions
like Banyuls, a delicious, fortified dessert wine.
Summing it up
Successful Sites:
Southern Rhone, Southwest Spain, Australia, California
Common Descriptors:
jammy, alcoholic, spice, black currant, dried red and black fruits, pepper, earth, fleshy
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