Wine 101 The Fascinating Grenache

Explore the allure of Grenache, known as Garnacha in Spain, a red grape that stands among the most widely planted globally. Uncover its journey from the northern Spanish region of Aragon to becoming a key player in the renowned Châteauneuf-du-Pape blend. Delve into Grenache’s flavor profile, historical significance, and its expansive presence across the world.

Grenache in 60 Seconds

• Globally widespread, Grenache is a prominent red grape and a crucial element in renowned wines like Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
• Recognized for bright strawberry and raspberry flavors, complemented by notes of white pepper, often likened to a fruit roll-up.

The Birthplace of Garnacha

• Originating in Aragon, northern Spain, Garnacha was initially cultivated for both single varietals and blending.
• Crossing the Pyrenees, Garnacha found a new home in Languedoc-Roussillon, Southern France, adopting the name Grenache.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape and French Influence

• French winemakers sought a grape to enhance their Southern Rhone wines, leading to Grenache’s role in the iconic Châteauneuf-du-Pape blend.
• Early 20th-century producers contributed to France’s AOC system, influencing grape varieties allowed in Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines.

Historical Significance

• The Avignon Popes played a pivotal role, improving viticulture in Southern Rhone and contributing to the region’s wine heritage.
• The list of permitted grape varieties in Châteauneuf-du-Pape expanded to eighteen in 1936, reflecting the evolving viticultural landscape.

Grenache Globally

• Now found in blends and single varietals across the United States, Grenache has a global presence, spanning Spain, France, Australia, and the U.S.
• Versatile and food-friendly, Grenache pairs exquisitely with fall and winter dishes, from roasted vegetables to prime rib and Beef Bourguignon.

10 Facts about Grenache

1. Grenache, known as Garnacha in Spain, is a widely planted red grape globally.
2. Its prominent role in Châteauneuf-du-Pape contributes to its fame in the wine world.
3. Grenache exhibits flavors of bright strawberries, raspberries, and white pepper, often likened to a fruit roll-up.
4. The grape’s origins trace back to Aragon, northern Spain, where it was cultivated for both single varietals and blending.
5. Crossing to Languedoc-Roussillon in Southern France, it adopted the name Grenache.
6. French winemakers in Southern Rhone sought Grenache for its ability to add body, alcohol, and fruity flavors to their wines.
7. Early 20th-century Châteauneuf-du-Pape producers played a role in shaping France’s AOC system.
8. The Avignon Popes improved viticulture in Southern Rhone, influencing the region’s wine culture.
9. The list of permitted grape varieties in Châteauneuf-du-Pape expanded to eighteen in 1936.
10. Grenache’s global presence includes the United States, with versatility in both blends and single varietals.

Since you made it here…Interesting Wines to try

2019 Bouchaine Hyde Vineyard Merlot Carneros – Napa Valley

• The legendary Hyde Vineyard unveils a brilliantly structured Merlot
• Ripe tannins dominate, yet irresistibly approachable in its early evolution
• Sarsaparilla, cola spice, and cigar humidor dance with black licorice
• Layers of plum sauce, blackberries, cassis, and black raspberries unfold
• Scrubby herbs emerge with perky acidity, keeping the experience lively
• Immerse yourself in the world of wine with Hyde Vineyard’s masterpiece
• Elevate your tasting experience with this captivating Merlot

2019 Chappellet Merlot Napa Valley

• Inky richness, bursting with toasty cacao, espresso, and grilled vanilla
• Silky mouthfeel framed by sweet, integrating tannins
• Spiced plums, cassis, and bright acidity lingering through a blueberry-kissed finish

2019 Cuvaison Arcilla Merlot Los Carneros – Napa Valley

• Pure evocation of strawberries with evolving tea-like tannins
• Flavors of blackberry, black raspberry, and smashed blueberry
• Notably savory with hints of carob, mineral, black licorice, and plum sauce layers

2019 Duckhorn Three Palms Vineyard Merlot Napa Valley

• A beautiful expression with sweet tannins and well-integrated oak spicing
• Hoisin sauce, cassis, violets, and candied orange peels
• Sandalwood, floral peppercorns, espresso beans, warm vanilla, and loam

2019 L’Ecole No. 41 Merlot Walla Walla Valley, Washington

• Estate-grown brilliance structured for mid-term aging
• Ripe red berry fruit and cherries finding counterpoints in dusty tannins and carob
• Minerality pulsing through each sip, delivering a brilliant wine experience

2019 La Jota Vineyard Co. Howell Mountain Estate MerlotNapa Valley

• A classic effort from winemaker Chris Carpenter with astounding mountain-grown grapes
• Age-worthy tannins allowing notes of licorice, granite, cacao nibs, and well-steeped tea to shine
• Cardamom and violets lingering through the long, elegant finish

2020 Macari Vineyards Merlot North Fork of Long Island

• A spicy and fascinating expression, dominated by crushed peppercorns
• Remarkably translucent, revealing red cherries, raspberries, and toasted fennel seeds with oak spice

2018 Meeker Winemakers’ Handprint Collection Merlot Sonoma County

• Lifted and well-delineated, expressive of black raspberries, ripe cherries, and goji berries
• Loamy earthiness, sarsaparilla-dusted tannins, and a bay-leaf note creating an intriguing wine experience
• Elegant yet powerful, structured for cellaring or enjoying now with grilled meat

2019 Mt. Brave Merlot Mt. Veeder, Napa Valley

• Toasty, rich, and brooding, a wine rewarding patience
• Notes of blackberry liqueur, kirsch, cassis, purple plums, and cardamom promising complexity
• Impressive balance and structure with graphite-like tannins and singed laurel nuances

2019 Northstar Premier Merlot Columbia Valley, Washington

• Velvety texture, ripe with a counterbalancing punch of acidity
• Crushed blackberries and mulberries, vanilla, clove, and toasty oak through the finish
• A stellar example of what the wine variety does best in the Columbia Valley

2019 PlumpJack Estate Winery Merlot Napa Valley

• A toasty, modern, crowd-pleasing beauty with rich, chocolatey notes
• Plums, blackberries, and cassis lifted by candied violets
• Aging potential of five to seven years, but delightful fruitiness makes it enjoyable now

2019 Ridge Vineyards Estate Merlot Santa Cruz Mountains

• Shining with the character of the venerable Monte Bello Vineyard
• Cedar, incense, brambly berries, elegant balance, and beautifully calibrated acidity
• Promising another ten to fifteen years of life ahead

2019 Rutherford Hill Winery Merlot Napa Valley

• Silky and herbaceous, less fruit-forward than typical Napa Merlot
• Layers of black and red raspberries, cherries, and chocolate with lively mineral finish
• A solid value delivering a unique wine experience for less than $30

2019 Seavey MerlotNapa Valley

• Estate-grown Merlot marked by toasty oak, cafe mocha notes, and woodsy spices
• Silky tannins, density, and underlying pulse of minerality providing real energy
• A captivating wine experience with impressive aging potential

2020 Seven Hills Winery Seven Hills Founding Vineyard Walla Walla Valley, Washington

• Fruit-forward Merlot from a vineyard planted in the early-1980s
• Underlying bergamot note with nuances of sage, oregano, and cracked peppercorns
• Sweet tannins lingering through flavors of red and purple plums and huckleberries

2018 St. Supéry Estate Vineyards and Winery Rutherford Estate Vineyards MerlotNapa Valley

• Rich, chocolatey aromas of hoisin sauce and spiced blackberry liqueur
• Balanced acidity with minerality, hint of dried herbs, and fantastic kirsch finish

2019 Vérité La Muse

• One of the most intriguing and appealing new-release Merlots
• A balance of perfume and depth with red currants, raspberries, cherries, plums, graphite, and hints of tobacco and sandalwood

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