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Grenache is perhaps unfairly one of the worldβs most underrated red wines. Thatβs because this native grape of Northern Spain turns out fruit forward wines with spicy notes and soft tannins and in Franceβs Southern Rhone.
Grenache is part of a world famous red wine blend, ChΓ’teauneuf-du-Pape and also makes some of the planetβs best rosΓ© in the south of France. Known as Garnacha in northern Spain where it originated, the red grape makes rich and jammy wines though local winemakers prefer blending it with the more dominant Tempranillo.
around the world
Youβd be forgiven for presuming that Grenache is indigenous to the Rhone Valley where the grape is widely planted and blend with Syrah and Mouvedre to make the famed GSM blend of which Gigondas and Chateuneuf-du-Pape are simply majestic. Grenache is also widely used to produce rosΓ© wines in Southern France thanks to its thin skin and pale colour.
The New World loves the Grenache for its ability to revel in warm weather and make full bodied reds, especially in Australia where it is blended with the equally vigorous Shiraz. Chila and Argentina off late have also taken a liking to Grenache.
Tastes Like
Grenache is almost as thin skinned as Pinot Noir but almost as full bodied as Cabernet Sauvignon so this grape straddles elegant fruit with powerful character. The wine itself abounds with floral, red fruit and spicy notes and tastes of cherries, plum and cinnamon.
On the palate
The hearty red balances full body with accessible red fruit, cinnamon and supple tannins that linger.
Pairing Recommendations
Grenache is one of the most versatile wines to pair with food due to its spiciness, fresh attributes and the myriad of different levels of depth and textures. Grenache pairs perfectly with grilled, stewed and braised meats and moderately spiced Asian cuisine.
key styles
Grenache or Garnacha as it is boisterously called in its original home of Northern Spain makes bold and jammy red wines bubbling with red fruit and big tannins. Local winemakers mostly prefer blending Grenache with the more imperious Tempranillo, fashioning a rich and powerful expression.
Grenacheβs adopted home of Southern Rhone makes a mean straight Shiraz and also blends it with Syrah and Mourvedre (GSM). By itself, Southern Rhone Grenache makes a full bodied, fruity and jammy red and brings a intense flavour dimension to the GSM blend.
