Grenache (grenn – nosh) is a thick skinned red-wine grape that produces a medium-bodied red wine. It is grown in extremely hot environments resulting in wines with higher alcohol levels. Some Grenache wines can reach up to 15% ABV!
Fun Fact
Grenache (Garnacha) is the second most planted red grape in Spain.
Dominant flavors in Grenache wines can include Lemon, Lime, Tangerine, Yellow Apple, Asian Pear, Peach, Guava, Melon, Nectarine and Green Mango.
WHERE TO FIND GRENACHE
The varietal is believed to originate in Sardinia. Today, the top producing countries for Grenache wines include France, Spain, Italy, Algeria, United States and Australia with more of specific, well-known regions being Cotes du Rhone, Languedoc-Roussillon, Priorat, Vinos de Madrid, Sardinia, Paso Robles, Columbia Valley and South Australia.
Grenache is a very versatile grape varietal and for this reason, it is one of the most widely distributed grapes in the world. It can also produce three very different tasting Grenache-based wines.
Common StyleS of Grenache Wine
SPANISH GARNACHA
Calatayud is a warmer region in Northern Spain where late-ripening Garnacha grapes get high sugar levels. The ripe grapes then ferment to alcohol levels above 15%, adding both body and spice to the wines.
U.S. GRENACHE
American Grenache is both fruit-forward and aromatic with crisp acidity. Old World Grenache is herbal and the American version smells more like star anise and flowers. They produce wines that are high in alcohol.
FRENCH GRENACHE
In Australia, wine producers of Cabernet Sauvignon wine first gained attention in the 1970s. It is a popular type of grape in Australia’s second most plentiful variety, just after Syrah.
Other names for Grenache wine include:
Grenache Noir
Garnacha Tinta
Garnacha Tinta
Lladoner
Tinto Aragones
Cannonau
Alicante
Granaccia
Tocai Rosso
When is the Right Mood for Grenache Wine?
Hostess Wine
Food Friendly
Fraiser Worthy
Wine Dinners
Fireplace Chat
After the Concert
The Baby Maker
Merlot/ Shiraz Drinkers
Hostess Wine
Third Date Wine
Fireplace Chat
Wine Snobs
RECOMMENDED Grenache Wines
Looking for a recommendation on Grenache wines to try? Here are a few…
Maia Parish is the owner of The Wine Suite and creator of The Tales of a Wine Mistress blog. Her events and tastings are featured at national festivals and tradeshows. She has her own broadcast called Tales of a Wine Mistress, on iGTV, Facebook Watch, and Twitter Live. Maia is a Wine Judge for the Denver International Wine Competition, Drink Pink Vino International Festival, Port and Fortified, and the Pairsine Food and Wine Competitions. She was a guest panelist for the 2016 Wine Bloggers Conference and was featured in the Women in Wine Issue for R.H. Drexel’s Loam Baby Volume 6, and was voted as the under over 40 Top African Americans in Wine. She was also published in SommJourmal with Karen McNeil’s the Status of Women in the Wine Industry. Swirl Suite and is working on two upcoming podcasts. She is a former private caterer and events producer.
Maia is a mom of one, sister to many, friend to food, a semi-tech nerd, TV fanatic, big hair and don’t care fashionista, and entrepreneur. She lives in Denver. She lives to learn and educate people about the wine lifestyle, why because pouring make her happy.