Grenache

Although originating in Spain where it’s known as Garnacha, it is the French who have really made Grenache their own. A staple component in many of today’s most expensive wines, Grenache is actually one of the most widely used grape varieties and is somewhat an unsung hero in the wine world. If you’ve been fortunate enough to try a classy bottle of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, from one of France’s most iconic regions, it’s likely Grenache was used in the blend. A fantastic wine on its own and an essential ingredient in many blends, Grenache is a grape variety that should be on any wine enthusiast’s radar.

Grenache Tasting Notes

Strawberry

Raspberry

Cinnamon

Leather

Fresh Herbs

With a good quality bottle of Grenache, you’re going to experience a lovely flavour profile of juicy red fruits backed with spice notes of cinnamon and white pepper. If you can splash out on a bottle from Châteauneuf-du-Pape, you’ll experience these flavours in their truest form. When aged, savoury notes of leather come to the fore, with subtle hints of herbs, particularly in Old World countries. It’s worth keeping an eye out for Grenache based rosé wines too, where you’ll taste lovely notes of light raspberries and strawberries – perfect for a summer quaffing.

Grenache Wine Style

Light and Juicy Red Wine

Light Full-Bodied

Grenache is typically medium bodied, usually with higher alcohol content than most red wines, reaching as high as 15-16%. With that in mind, it has a deceivingly light colour, which can lead you asstray with early assumptions of how this grape stands up on the palate. As with all varieties planted across the world, styles can vary considerably. On the whole, New World Grenache is more fruit laden and higher in alcohol than those made in France and parts of Spain. Syrah is often added in blends to smooth out the intense flavours and add tannin.

Wine Regions

When it comes to excellent wines from the Southern Rhône in France, this is the grape that rules. Here, it is famously used in the classic Côtes du Rhône ‘GSM’ blend (Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre). In the Spanish region of Priorat, you’ll more likely find wines made from 100% Garnacha, putting Spain on the map for producing Grenache/Garnacha wine in its purest form. Outside Europe, the United States and Australia lead the way in producing exciting new styles of Grenache which deserve attention. Rumour even has it that China has started experimenting with the variety too!

What Food Goes with Grenache?

Grenache is a popular pairing for a variety of meat dishes. It also stands up well to a little bit of spice. So if you’ve been looking for the perfect wine to partner with a cheeky Mexican dish, congratulations, you’ve just found it. Top tip – try Grenache slightly chilled when eating spicy food – it can help to soften the burn.

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