In the vast world of wine grapes, one variety is quietly making waves with its remarkable versatility and growing global appeal: Grenache. Native to the Aragon region of Spain, where it’s known as Garnacha, this red grape is proving it has the power to make everything from delicate rosés to robust, fortified wines. As winemakers from France to Australia recognize Grenache’s immense potential, it’s time for wine lovers to take notice of this rising star.
The Ultimate All-Rounder
What sets Grenache apart is its incredible adaptability. According to a renowned wine expert, “If there was one grape to take to your desert island, it would have to be Grenache, not least because you’d never get bored.” From pale, refreshing rosés to full-bodied, spicy reds and even sweet, port-style wines, Grenache can do it all. This chameleon-like quality has historically led to it being underappreciated, seen more as a workhorse than a star in its own right. But that perception is starting to change.
Embracing Elevation
One key to unlocking Grenache’s potential lies in where it’s grown. While this sun-loving grape needs warmth to ripen fully, too much heat can result in jammy, overripe flavors. The solution? Altitude. Winemakers from the Pyrenees to the Sierra Nevada are planting Grenache in higher-elevation vineyards, where cool nights help preserve freshness and acidity. As Justin Howard-Sneyd of Domaine of the Bee in France’s Roussillon region notes:
“If you love the perfume and sexiness of Pinot Noir, but appreciate a riper, rounder style of wine, then I don’t think you need to look much further than Grenache.”
Justin Howard-Sneyd, Domaine of the Bee
In Spain, regions like Montsant, Sierra de Gredos, and the higher reaches of Rioja are embracing high-altitude Garnacha. Rodolfo Bastida’s Ramón Bilbao Limite Sur Garnacha, made from grapes grown 600 meters above sea level, exemplifies this style with its lively raspberry fruit and mineral undertones.
The Benchmark: Château Rayas
For many Grenache enthusiasts, the holy grail is Château Rayas from France’s Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation. Renowned for its hauntingly perfumed, Burgundian style, Rayas has inspired a new wave of winemakers seeking to showcase Grenache’s more elegant side. While bottles of Rayas can be rare and costly, the growing number of ambitious Grenache producers around the world means there are more accessible options than ever to explore.
A Global Phenomenon
Grenache’s appeal extends well beyond its European heartland. In South Africa, Australia, and California, winemakers are crafting Grenaches that combine New World ripeness with Old World finesse. Don’t be surprised if some of these wines are mistaken for top Pinot Noirs in a blind tasting!
A word of caution: Grenache’s bountiful charm comes with a kick. Even the most ethereal examples rarely clock in below 14% alcohol, so it’s best to enjoy these wines alongside hearty cuisine and perhaps have a designated driver on standby.
Grenache All Day
Ready to embark on your Grenache odyssey? Here are five delicious bottles to get you started:
- Torres Sangre de Toro Original 2021 – Raspberry and cherry fruit with spice. Serve lightly chilled!
- La Garnacha Salvaje del Moncayo 2021 – A high-altitude bargain bursting with pure fruit.
- Domaine Maby Tavel La Forcadière 2022 – A rosé as dark as many reds, with lush strawberry notes.
- Whistler Grenache Double Back 2022 – An Aussie Grenache that’s fresh, crunchy, and herbaceous.
- Gerard Bertrand Rivesaltes Ambré 2016 – Grenache in dessert wine form. Think candied fruit and nuts.
As more wine lovers and producers wake up to Grenache’s charms, the future looks bright for this once underrated grape. With its ability to shape-shift into endless styles and reflect the nuances of its terroir, Grenache is poised to captivate palates around the globe. The only question is: What’s taken us so long to catch on?
