 Grenache is the most planted grape variety in the world for winemaking purposes. It is also known as Cannonau in Italy, where it is mainly cultivated in the island of Sardinia, and as Garnacha Tinta in Spain where it is grown mostly in the North and in the East.
The country of origin of this grape is not known for sure: it could be France, Spain or even Italy. There are good chances that this grape originated close to the French-Spanish border. In France, Grenache grows in the Rhône Valley and in the Languedoc-Roussillon. In the Rhône, especially in the southern part, Grenache is the main grape in some of the most important "appélations". For example, it is used in the famous wines of Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Gigondas. It is also one of the main ingredients in Tavel, Lirac, Coteaux du Languedoc and Cotes de Provence. Finally, it is also used to produce world known sweet wines such as Banyuls in the Languedoc-Roussillon. In France Grenache is also present in a "grey version", Grenache Gris, and a white one, Grenache Blanc. The first is almost disappearing while the last is one of the most important white grapes used in Rhône whites where it is usually blended with Roussanne and Marsanne.
Spain has three times as much Grenache planted than France, and this grape is one of the components of Rioja and Priorat wines (here it is called Garnatxa in Catalan). Grenache is also widely planted in Australia especially in the Barossa Valley and in the McLaren Vale regions. Recently this grape is getting the consideration that it deserves and currently it is challenging the dominance of Syrah both in Australia and in France were Grenache doesn't play any role in the Northern part of the Rhône Valley. In California Grenache is used almost exclusively as a blending grape. Sometimes it is made into a monovarietal, frequently as a Rosé and most often it is used to help soften other wines in red blends. Grenache has very generous yields especially if it receives plenty of irrigation in warm or very warm climates.Usually Grenache produces 8 to 10 tons per acre one year and 14 to 16 tons per acre the next year. Its vines are woody and very resistant to arid climates. For this reason cool or rainy climates can cause various diseases to this plant. This variety is suceptible to shatter and coulure.
A wine made with Grenache is generally very fruity when young. Main aromas include cherry, black currant, blackberry, lavender and thyme.Often, especially in Châteaneuf-du-Pape and Gigondas, this grape generates powerful meaty aromas. If a Grenache-based wine is aged, its color will turn garnet fairly quickly and its bouquet will include notes of vanilla, dried fruit, sweet wood and tobacco. |
