All About Grenache Wines

Grenache grapes are grown all over the world. No wonder Grenache wines are well known and appreciated in so many countries.

Wine historians believe that Grenache, which translates to Garnacha in Spanish and Garnatxa in Catalan, originated in the province of Aragon in northern Spain. From there, the grapevines spread through Europe, through Spain and out into the Mediterranean, including what is modern day Sardinia. Because of a phylloxera epidemic in the late 19th century, plantings of Grenache became abundant through Rioja and France.

 

Plantings traveled over oceans to Australia, where they remain common in the McLaren Vale and the Barossa and Clare Valleys. Grenache Barossa is a world class wine.

In the 1860s, Grenache grapes were brought to the United States and planted in California. However, heavy planting caused a decrease in the quality of the wine. Over time, this trend has been somewhat reversed. Other varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot have replaced the heavy planting, and today 9,600 acres of Grenache grapes are planted in California.

 

Grenache is the world's most frequently planted grape, being the backbone ingredient to a number of important red wines. It is also used solo to make a brilliant rosé.

Grenache grapes include two common strains: Grenache Noir, which is used for red wine and Grenache Blanc, for white wine. Other common names for Grenache are:

Other strains and crosses of the Grenache grape include the gray (gris) and pink (rosé), and a hairy-leafed type (Lladoner Pelud) The Grenache Noir is the most common strain. Grenache Gris is planted widely throughout France, while Grenache Blanc is an important ingredient of many white wines readily available in the region of France called the Rhône.

Grenache vines tend to alternate between great and good years. One year may produce 14 to 16 tons per acre, while the next year, as the vine "recuperates," it may produce 8 to 10 tons.

 

The vine is sturdy and can withstand pruning and drought conditions better than other leading vines. It is less inclined to do well in overly cool temperatures, though, and excess humidity can cause rotting.

Grenache wines have distinct flavors. Most often, you can taste specific characteristics of:

The aromas are very powerful, including menthol, licorice and black pepper. The wine has a high alcohol content, usually more than 15 percent. Because of its strong traits, Grenache is usually blended with another variety of wine, such as a Syrah. The berries are a blue/black color.

Grenache Noir is most commonly used as an additive to fill out harsher varieties such as Syrah and Carignan. In its early stages, it is used on its own and is distinct for its fruity, heady and fleshy traits. Grenache Noir ages quickly, and only a short stint in a bottle can lead to maderization, a type of oxidization that isn't particularly desirable for this wine.

Grenache is the only ingredient in varieties made by producers such as Emmanuel Reynaud of Château Rayas in Chateauneuf du Pape, and Philippe Laurent of Domaine du Gramenon in France.

 

Grenache is combined with Syrah and Mourvèdre to create California's Tablas Creek Vineyards' signature wine, Esprit de Beaucastel.