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