Grenache red wine might not be as famous as other red wines — Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, were looking at you. But it is more ubiquitous than you might realize. This widely grown and versatile wine grape is one youve probably enjoyed without even knowing it thanks to its popularity as a partner for many blended red wines.
Whether youve only heard of it in passing or are earnestly looking for a new red to swirl and sip, theres plenty to learn about Garnacha red wine. Get ready to be on a first-name basis with this multifaceted wine, including where it comes from, how its made, and how to make the most of every glass.
Grenache. Grenache boasts plenty of lovely berry flavors like strawberry and raspberry. It’s a dry wine but gets quite ripe. Folks who like fruit-forward wines should pick up a Grenache from a warm region (read: Spain or blends from the south of France).
Tasting the Flavor of Garnacha: What Does Grenache Taste Like?
Thanks to its higher alcohol content, Grenache wine has a medium-bodied taste. Its signature profile percolates with juicy, ripe red fruit punctuated with spicy notes of cinnamon and a violet-like floral bouquet.
Its also worth noting that the grapes skin thickness, which is relatively thin, plays a significant role in the flavor profile of Grenache wine. Because of this, the wines produced are often lighter in color and tannins, which can result in a softer, more approachable drinking experience. This characteristic makes Grenache a perfect introduction to red wines for those who typically prefer white or rosé wines.
Garnacha is made in a variety of styles, including dry, semi-sweet, and sweet wine. The most common tasting notes include:
- Fruity flavors: Raspberry, black cherry, and strawberry
- Spices: Star anise, cinnamon, and black pepper, particularly if its aged in oak
- Other notes: Licorice, tobacco, dried herbs, red grapefruit, and orange rind
Grenache wine made from old vines tends to exhibit more intense flavors along with earthy and herbaceous notes — not surprising since older vines often produce less fruit, thereby concentrating flavors.
But such complexity is not exclusive to Old World regions like Côtes du Rhône and Sardinia. You can have full-flavored Grenache that comes from New World wine regions like Australia. As such, Grenache is steadily building its reputation as being worthy of single varietal wine, not just a partner for other grape varieties in blended wines.
Understanding Garnacha Wine: What Is Grenache Wine?
Known as Garnacha in Spain, Grenache Noir in France, and Cannonau in Italy, Grenache is a dark-skinned red wine grape variety used to produce wine of the same name. Its thought to have originated in the Aragon region of Northern Spain, which is also considered the birthplace of Carignan wine.
As Garnacha wine gains popularity, its essential to note that it offers a unique experience to wine lovers. While it shares some qualities with other reds, it also stands out due to its unique characteristics. For instance, Grenache wines are renowned for their versatility and adaptability to a range of food pairings. This quality makes them an excellent choice for both casual dinners and special occasions.
Grenache vines are resilient and rather easy to grow in a variety of soils. However, they have a long growing season before they ripen, so they prefer warmer climates, such as Southern France, Northern Spain, and South Australia. Garnacha grapes are often used in blended wines although single varietal wines are becoming increasingly common.
While its originally a Spanish wine, Grenache is widely grown throughout wine regions around the world, including:
- France: Rhône Valley, Languedoc-Roussillon, Maury, and Provence
- Spain: Aragon, Priorat, and Rioja (which is also a type of wine)
- Italy: The island of Sardinia in the Mediterranean Sea
- Australia: The famed Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale
- United States: Californias Central Coast
Grenache wine is known for having medium acidity, medium tannins, and high alcohol content, which hovers around 13.5-16% ABV. For reference, 12% ABV is considered the standard glass of wine in the United States. So yes, Garnacha is a little boozy. (But were not judging.)
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GRENACHE / GARNACHA Grape: The Wine World’s Next Big Thing!
FAQ
Is Grenache wine sweet or dry?
What kind of red wine is Grenache?
Is a Grenache like a Pinot Noir?
Is Grenache similar to Malbec?
Is Grenache a good wine?
Grenache is one of the greatest grape varieties that doesn’t quite get the attention it deserves. Sommeliers and other wine professionals tend to have great respect for it, but among consumers, it is far too often overshadowed by more famous red varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah.
What does a lychee look like?
The fruit of the lychee tree, the lychee, is of the drupe type and is red in color and has a round, ovoid or heart-shaped shape. In general, it is 2 to 3. 5 cm in diameter and is found in clusters. The bark is rough and easy to peel off.
Is Grenache a black and white wine?
Pinning Grenache down to a black-and-white profile is very challenging. The reason for this is that Grenache wines can be bone-dry, semi-sweet, or sweet. For the most part, however, Grenache is dry. But if it gets super ripe, it tastes a bit sweet, too.
Is Grenache a Burgundy wine?
Grenache is a vibrant burgundy wine that is similar to Pinot Grigio, Shiraz, and Syrah. While still maintaining a bold flavour profile and alluring ruby colour, Grenache red wine manages to deliver a surprisingly bright, warm aroma and texture.