10 Essential Facts on Grenache

Grenache (pronounced GRAH-NAHSH) is one of the most internationally successful grape varieties, but it’s also one of the most misunderstood. Sometimes voluptuous and juicy, and other times ethereal and remarkably pure – it’s difficult to pin down exactly how a typical Grenache is supposed to taste. Despite this, the best Grenache wines earn their seat at the table next to the more widely recognized Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah, boasting impressive and varied expressions from all corners of the winemaking world. From Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Priorat to Sardinia and the Sierra Foothills, discover the world’s seventh most planted grape with these ten essential facts. 1. A GLOBAL GRAPE—According to the Grape and Wine Research and Development Corporation, Grenache is the world’s seventh most planted wine grape, and the fifth among reds. A late-ripening variety, Grenache thrives in warm Mediterranean climates, and can be found growing everywhere from Provence to Paso Robles to Peru. 2. PARTNERS IN WINE—While Grenache can be enjoyed as a mono-varietal wine, its favorite playmates are Syrah and Mourvèdre , making for a true power trio. When combined, these three grapes strengthen each other’s best qualities to produce a synergetic recipe, proving that the sum can be greater than its parts. The GSM blend is celebrated in the Southern Rhône Valley and imitated across the globe. Grenache brings pure and juicy berry flavors while Syrah contributes a savory meatiness, y savoriness and Mourvèdre amps up the spice and tannic structure. 3. SPANISH AT HEART—Grenache is one of the world’s oldest grape varieties. While its genetic parentage remains unknown, its geographical origins are believed to lie in northeastern Spain, where it goes by the alias Garnacha (or Garnaxa in Catalan). Aragon’s gnarled Garnacha (pronounced GAR-NOTCH-UH) bush vines in such appellations as Calatayud , Cariñena , Campo de Borja , and Somontano yield some of Spain’s greatest value reds of character, while Catalonia is home to such celebrated Garnacha regions as Priorat , Montsant , and Terra Alta . 4. SIPPING WITH CERVANTES—Several linguists argue that the word “Garnacha” actually derives from “Vernaccia,” a name given to several Italian white grape varieties. In fact, the first printed mention of the word Garnacha comes from a 1613 short story written by Don Quixote author Miguel de Cervantes, in which the main character imbibes a selection of Italian whites, one of which is called Garnacha. 5. THE ITALIAN CONNECTION—Grenache likely first reached Sardinia’s shores by influence of the crown of Aragon following their conquest of the island in the early 14th century. In Sardinia, the grape is called “Cannonau” (pronounced CAN-OH-NOW) and remains the region’s most important variety. 6. A FRENCH FAVORITE—Trailing only Merlot , Grenache is France’s second most cultivated grape variety, its influence stretching from the Rhône Valley to Provence and Languedoc-Roussillon . Perhaps Grenache’s most prized wines are born in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Châteauneuf-du-Pape allows eighteen different grapes in its red blends, but Grenache most commonly serves as the backbone. The illustrious Château Rayas even opts to vinify their red Châteauneuf-du-Pape entirely with the one variety. While Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines can often be expensive, other Grenache blends such as Vacqueyras , Gigondas and entry-level Côtes-du-Rhône bottlings can offer delightful and affordable alternatives. 7. GRENACHE ON THE GO—Outside of Europe, Grenache yields fantastic results in New World regions that champion Rhône varieties. In the United States, look out for examples from California’s Sierra Foothills and Paso Robles , as well as from Washington State. Grenache was also once the most prominent grape variety in Australia, and today a number of winemakers down under continue to blend the grape with Shiraz. 8. THE RED, WHITE, & GRIS—As is the case with Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc, and Pinot Gris, Grenache also comes in mutated white and pink-berried variants that are technically genetically identical. Grenache Blanc is one of the most pivotal contributors to the Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc, as well as to a number of white blends from Southern France and Spain. Grenache Gris is primarily cultivated in the same regions, and can often impart the palest of pink tints to its wines. 9. THINK PINK—Along with Mourvèdre, Syrah, and Cinsault, Grenache plays a major role in Provence and its tidal wave of rosés that flood wine shop shelves each year. These dry, herbaceous pink wines have become a summer staple, in large part thanks to Grenache’s refreshing berry flavors. Just to the north in the Rhône Valley, Grenache is the most important grape in Tavel , an appellation that produces only rosé, though these wines are characteristically a bit meatier and darker hued than its Provençal counterparts. 10. SAVE ROOM FOR DESSERT—Grenache lovers can pair an entire meal exclusively with the one grape, starting from white and rosé, continuing to red and ending with dessert. In both the Roussillon and Rhône regions, winemakers use Grenache to craft “vin doux naturels.” Made in such appellations as Maury , Banyuls , and Rasteau , these fortified sweet wines most resemble Port , and the best bottles can similarly age for decades, if not a century. — Bryce Wiatrak Do you have a go-to Grenache? Scan the label or search by name to add your tasting notes on Delectable.