Grenache – strong red wine

Grenache (Grenache, Garnacha) is one of the most common grape varieties in the world. Due to the fact that it ripens late, the vineyards of this variety are planted in dry and hot areas, for example, in Spain, Italy, Australia, in the south of France, etc.

The red wine Grenache has a tart fruit flavor and a high alcohol content (13.5 – 16% vol.). To maintain the high quality of the drink, the vines must be thinned out and ensure that the yield does not exceed the norms allowed in the region.

The variety itself is rather inexpressive, Grenache mono wine lacks color, tannins and acidity, so the grapes are often mixed with other varieties. Combinations of Syrah-Grenache, Carignan-Grenache are very popular, you can also find blends with Tempranillo and Senso varieties.

At the same time, some samples of this wine are considered truly elite, and their cost reaches several hundred dollars per bottle.

Since 2010, International Grenache Day has been celebrated every third Friday in September.

History

Most likely, the birthplace of the variety is the Spanish region of Aragon. Perhaps the vines first spread to nearby Catalonia, then to Sardinia and Rossillon. This is also indicated by the first name of the variety – Tinto Aragones (red wine from Aragon).

However, the inhabitants of Sardinia claim that Grenache (known here under the name Cannonau) originally appeared on their territory, and only in the XNUMXth century came to Aragon.

In the 1960th century, the variety appeared in Australia and almost immediately became the most widespread dark grape in the country, losing this title to the Shiraz variety only in the XNUMXs.

Production regions

Main countries and appellations:

• France – Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape;
• Spain – Priorat, Calatayud;
• Italy – Sardinia, Sicily, Calabria;
• USA – California (California), Washington (Washington);
• Australia – South Australia.

Variety description

The most common notes are red berries (raspberry and strawberry), black cherry, pepper, anise, tobacco, citrus zest, cinnamon. When aged in the fermented juice of Grenache berries, nuances of leather and resin appear.

Also, the taste largely depends on the region of production. Spanish brands are fuller and spicier than their counterparts from other countries, with notes of licorice in them. French wine is less strong, but in its bouquet you can recognize the nuances of oregano and lavender. France also produces Grenache rosé wine. American producers typically blend Grenache with other varieties, resulting in a wine with clear floral notes and piercing acidity.

In a blind tasting, the variety is invariably recognized by the nuances of caramelized fruits and spices.

Despite the high strength, this wine has a pale color and can even be translucent, so visually it seems young and weak.

Technology

Grenache is often used in combination with other varieties. In such blends, these grapes add body to the wine and bring sweet fruity notes to the bouquet.

Grenache is a rather capricious variety that requires considerable skill from the winemaker. This grape quickly oxidizes and loses color, in addition, it contains little tannins. To compensate for these shortcomings, some manufacturers use extremely hard pressing and hot fermentation of the pulp directly with the twigs in order to retain as many phenols as possible and get the most intense color. A side effect of this can be herbal notes and a sharp taste, and the wine can also lose its characteristic fruity bouquet.

This can be avoided by long and slow fermentation at low temperatures and subsequent maceration. So that the wine does not oxidize, it is recommended to pour it from one container to another as rarely as possible, and the exposure should take place in new oak barrels.

Due to the high sugar content and low tannins, the variety is well suited for the production of aged fortified wines.

How to drink Grenache wine

Grenache goes best with spicy meat and vegetable dishes, in addition, this wine can be served with exotic dishes of various local cuisines. Chilled red wine reduces the spiciness of the pepper and allows the flavor of the food to come out better.

Interesting Facts

1. Grenache vineyard area is decreasing. If in the 1970s they occupied about 800 acres and produced up to 2.5 billion bottles a year, today their total area does not even reach 500 acres.
2. Grenache is grown even in China. Vineyards of this variety occupy 12 acres in China. Despite the fact that China is little known in the world wine market, this country has 7 wine regions and more than 40 autochthonous varieties not known in Europe.
3. The most expensive Grenache is made in the Château du Pape region and costs about $600 per bottle. Slightly more affordable is the American brand Sine Qua Non, which can be purchased for $500. Finally, in third place is the Spanish wine from Priorat, the cost of which is close to 300 dollars.
4. In France, fortified wines such as Rasteau, Maury and Banyuls are made on the basis of the Grenache variety.
5. The American Grenache vines are identical to the French ones: they were brought to the USA in 1989 from the Château du Pape.
6. In the XNUMXth century, Grenache was added to Burgundy wine, mixing it with Pinot Noir to improve the taste and aroma of the drink.