CARPE TRAVEL WINE 101:
GET TO KNOW THE GRAPES

GETTING TO KNOW

GRENACHE WINES

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…

Department 66 Grenache

Alto Moncayo Veraton

Sparkman Wonderland

Maia Parish

Carpe Travel collaborated with Maia Parish to compile the grape varietal overviews. Maia Parish is an award-winning events producer, sommelier, wine judge, and media consultant. She lives in Denver, Colorado and likes to eat copious amounts of food. You can find her here www.linktr.ee/thewinemistress.