Grenache. Garnacha. Cannonau. By whatever name you call it, it’s a grape worth knowing about.
20 years ago it was the second most-planted red grape in the world. It has now been overtaken by Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
It produces fruity, sweet-tasting wines with rich texture. It’s becoming increasingly fashionable.
Grenache tends towards higher alcohol.
There is more Grenache planted in France than anywhere else in the world.
It’s the principle variety (of 13) allowed in red Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
In the Rhône and Languedoc producers blend it with Syrah and Mourvedre. This style is also made in Australia. (Yes, we know. Coonawarra is a bit to the right.)
Garnacha is the Spanish name for Grenache. The grape originates in Aragon.
As it gets more popular in the rest of the world, the plantings decline in Spain. It used to cover 90% of red grapes in Navarra. Now it is only 25%!
Rioja can include Garnacha to add a warm, spicy character to the Tempranillo grape.
It takes well to oak, and top quality examples age beautifully, but it can also make great, juicy unoaked styles for early drinking.
It’s amazing with gourmet burgers.
It also comes in white!
You can try some amazing wines made with Grenache – find them here!
