Grenache - The Fruit Grenade!

From the hills of Southern Rhône in France to the valleys of Barossa Valley in Australia, Grenache flourishes through the regions. From Garnacha Blanco growing widely in Navarra to Grenache rosé from Tavel, Grenache produces a range of styles. Even a sweet style of red wine is produced in the region of Rasteau in France. Commonly known in most countries as Grenache and as Garnacha in Spain. It is believed Grenache was discovered on the island of Sardinia, Italy but now most commonly grown in France, Spain, Australia and the United States.

@Châteauneuf-du-Pape Castle and vineyard, Rhône region, southeastern France.

The most recognized region in Southern Rhône for Grenache plantings is Châteauneuf-du-Pape. This was not always the case in this region; Mouvedere used to be the most planted grape variety until the 1870s. During the 14th Century, the Papal Palace was moved from Rome to Avignon, during the 70 years, the popes preferred drinking local wines rather than getting wines from Burgundy. Pope John XXII built his summer residence in this region. It was famously known as the “the new residence of the Pope” or Châteauneuf-du-Pape; which became the name of the village as well. Châteauneuf-du-Pape was the first AOC in France to be awarded the AOC status in 1936. Ironically, wine from Châteauneuf-du-Pape was sold to Burgundy as “Vin de Médecine”, to add pigment and tannins to their wines.

In the 1990s, The Rhône became an inspiration to the winegrowers around the world. In the US, there was big media splash as “Rhône Rangers’, California winemakers who made Rhône-style blends, captured public attention. Australia generated an international market explosion with abundant and inexpensive Australian Grenache, but then it was blended with Shiraz and small additions of Viognier to make a prestigious blend. South American and South African Grenache also began to garner attention and sales. This emulation and imitation of the Rhône and its wines generated even more prestige and demand for “the original”.

@Grenache Vines

When to drink Grenache-based wines?

Most wines are meant for immediate consumption, but some may gracefully age for 5-7 years. Cellar-worthy wines like Châteauneuf-du-Pape can easily mature for a decade or more in the bottle.

Tasting Notes:

Grenache can be described as a wine with aromas of bright strawberry, wild cherry, and prune with a dash of liquorice and spice. The wine would usually have high-alcohol, low-acid and medium tannins.

Food Pairings:

• Boudin Blanc: Sausages made from veal or chicken.
• Grillades de Boeuf a la Moelle: Grilled steak with bone marrow.
• Saint-Marcellin: Rindless cow’s milk cheese served in a clay crock.
• French Onion Soup

@Chateau Rayas, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone Valley, France

Grenache Based wines to look out for:

• Chateau Beaucastel, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone Valley, France
• Chateau Rayas, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone Valley, France
• Domaine Gauby, Priorat DOCa, Spain
• Torres “Sangre de Toro”, Catalunya, Spain
• Saint Cosme Little James' “Basket Press”, Gigondas, Rhone Valley, France
• d'Arenberg, The Custodian, Grenache, McLaren Vale, Australia.

Happy International Grenache Day!

Article by – Parth Mehta, WSET Advanced Certified & CMS Introductory Sommelier.