Winemaker Notes
Grenache thrives in any warm, Mediterranean climate where ample sunlight allows its clusters to achieve full phenolic ripeness. While Grenache's birthplace is Spain (there called Garnacha), today it is more recognized as the key player in the red blends of the Southern Rhône, namely Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Côtes du Rhône and its villages. Somm Secret—The Italian island of Sardinia produces bold, rustic, single varietal Grenache (there called Cannonau). California, Washington and Australia have achieved found success with Grenache, both flying solo and in blends.
Collioure, the appellation name for the dry table wines produced in the area overlapping Banyuls, is on the coast at the French-Spanish border. The climate is warm Mediterranean and supports many grape varieties. Red Collioure wines are composed of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre (60% minimum in combination) with Carignan and Cinsault forming the remainder. Rosés come from the same grapes with up to 30% Grenache Gris permitted and dry whites (allowed since 2003 to hold the appellation name) are full-bodied and aromatic wines based on Grenache Blanc and Gris.