Originally from Spain where it goes by the name of Garnacha and Garnatxa, Grenache is very much a fixture of France’s southern Rhône Valley and the rest of the Mediterranean. Old bush vines and ample sunshine mean ready ripening, giving layers of bright and joyous red and black fruit, spice and liquorice.
Depending on how you farm it, Grenache can be prolific in quality or quantity. In its simplest expression, it provides joie de vivre in the form of chilled carefree Provençal rosé. Côtes-du-Rhône blends and the better Côtes-du-Rhône Villages offer super red wine value. The top wines are crus. Among the best, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas, Vacqueyras and Lirac.
From its Spanish tierra madre, pure Garnatxa off Priorat’s dark slate soils give powerful, smokey structured renditions. In Rioja, it plays supporting actor to Tempranillo and others.
In Australia, McLaren Vale and Barossa’s old vines thrive on sandier soils, giving wines of great fruit intensity and spicy fragrance. Although it usually needs a little help from friends, Grenache is the leading contributor as the ‘G’ in GSM. A helpful Australian labelling shorthand, indicating a nod to the wines of the Southern Rhône. S & M ably provided by Shiraz and Mourvèdre.
Depending on how you farm it, Grenache can be prolific in quality or quantity. In its simplest expression, it provides joie de vivre in the form of chilled carefree Provençal rosé. Côtes-du-Rhône blends and the better Côtes-du-Rhône Villages offer super red wine value. The top wines are crus. Among the best, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas, Vacqueyras and Lirac.
From its Spanish tierra madre, pure Garnatxa off Priorat’s dark slate soils give powerful, smokey structured renditions. In Rioja, it plays supporting actor to Tempranillo and others.
In Australia, McLaren Vale and Barossa’s old vines thrive on sandier soils, giving wines of great fruit intensity and spicy fragrance. Although it usually needs a little help from friends, Grenache is the leading contributor as the ‘G’ in GSM. A helpful Australian labelling shorthand, indicating a nod to the wines of the Southern Rhône. S & M ably provided by Shiraz and Mourvèdre.
