I’m guessing that Grenache is not one of the typical grape varieties you think about when purchasing wine at your favorite wine shop but let me say that it is one of the most versatile grapes around. It originally came from Spain and was called Garnacha. It was later planted in the Southern Rhône Valley of France and became known as Grenache. Grenache is also grown in the warm climates of California and the Barossa Valley in Australia.
Here are some basic facts about the Grenache grape:
- It is a black grape variety
- It needs a warm climate to reach ripeness
- It has medium tannins and acidity
- It is considered to be medium in body and alcohol (13.5-16%)
- It has a red fruit flavor profile
- It is usually used to create a red or rosé wine
- It is a very blendable grape
- It can be served young or aged in oak barrels
- It is used in the south of France to make beautiful rosé wine
- Aging can create some interesting and complex flavors (cinnamon and spices)
- It is one of the grape varieties used to create Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine
So, a short detour…
I have a personal connection to Grenache. A very specific connection. It involves my love of theatre and Idle Cellars in Sonoma, California.
I am passionate about musical theatre…directing, choreographing, acting, dancing, singing. I’ve been doing it for many years. How does this connect to Idle Cellars and Grenache? Well, about three years ago, I was on vacation and met one of the winemakers from Idle Cellars. If you aren’t familiar with their wine, you should definitely check them out! www.idlecellars.com
Idle Cellars does something really unique with their wine labels. They collect short “stories” from people who have tried and love their wines and put them on the back of label of each of their different wine varieties. The story always ends with something like “enjoy your Idle moment.” I think that’s really fun, cool, and different.
Well, here’s the connection…on the back label of their 2017 Grenache, was my personal theatre story! I was so excited! Check it out!
But I digress…back to Grenache.
For me, Grenache is interesting. The flavor profile can be anything from strawberry to white pepper to cinnamon and dried fruit. It can be served chilled as a young rosé or aged in oak barrels to create complex concentration or blended with grapes (including Syrah) to create a full-bodied wine. Let’s not forget about Châteauneuf-du-Pape from the Rhône Valley of France, a great example of a Grenache blend (Syrah and Mourvèdre) aged to caramel and black cherry deliciousness. Grenache is a major piece of the blending puzzle that creates a full-bodied, higher alcohol, complex, aged red wine.
Pairings for Grenache/Garnacha:
- Stews and braised meats
- Grilled fish and meat
- Grilled vegetables
- Spicy dishes
Cheese Pairings for Grenache/Garnacha:
- Asiago
- Sharp Cheddar
- Parmigiano-Reggiano
- Muenster
Try a nice bottle of Grenache/Garnacha on your next wine store pilgrimage. If you’re already a fan, you’ll be home again; if you haven’t tried it, you will not be sorry!
By the way…tomorrow, September 17th is International Grenache Day!
So enjoy….Cheers!