Grenache
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It is important to note that somewhat like the relationship between Pinot Blanc and Pinot Noir, the name Grenache is shared by both a red and a white varietal. However, as the red varietal is far more popular, this entry will focus on "Garnatxa negre" (Grenache Noir).
Grenache (pronounced gren-aash) or Garnacha is a sweet red grape variety grown primarily for the making of wine. It grows well in hot, dry regions and is grown in southern France, Spain, South America, Australia, and California's Central Valley.
It is usually blended with other varieties, rather than made a varietal wine. In France it is the dominant varietal in most Rhône blends, especially Châteauneuf-du-Pape. It is also frequently used to make lighter, rose wines in France and Spain.
Garnacha is the Spanish name and it is the most widely planted varietal in Spain. The grape was grown in Spain before it made its way to France, but the popularity of the French wines has ensured that it is now more commonly known by the French name. It is known as Garnatxa in the Catalan region of Spain.
In the famous Catalan wine producing region of Priorat it is traditionally blended with Carignane. In Terra Alta, just west of the Priorat the blend is often the same but many wineries have been begun to blend it with Cabernet and Syrah.
There are two key clones of the red Grenache vine. The standard Grenache is usually refered to as "Garnatxa Fina" in Catalan. There is however the much more peculiar clone known as "Hairy Grenache". In Catalonia it is often called "Garnatxa Peluda" or "Lledoner Pelut". The leaves look similar to Macabeo, but with fine little hairs. Recent investigation in Spain into this bizzare clone indicates that is produces smaller berries with a thicker skin. This makes it argueably the superior clone.
The red Grenache variety is used extensively in Australia, sometimes to make varietal wines, but more often in blends with mourvedre and syrah in so called GSM wines. A list of Australian producers of [grenache wine] can be found here.
White Grenache, Grenache Blanc in France, Garnatxa Blanca in Catalonia and Garnacha Blanca in [Spain] usually generates high alcohol, bright acidity, with citrus and or herbaceaous notes. It is the key varietal of the Rhône whites. Here is often blended with Roussanne. In Spain it is sparsely planted across the northeast of the country. Its epicenter in not only Catalonia but all of Spain is likely Terra Alta where it is the dominant white varietal.
Another strange varietal that shares the Grenache name is Garnacha Tintorera. See Alicante Bouschet.
| Major Wine Styles | |
| Red wines | Beaujolais | Cabernet Sauvignon | Carmenere | Chianti | Grenache | Malbec | Merlot | Pinot Noir | Rioja | Syrah/Shiraz | Tempranillo | Zinfandel |
| White wines | Chablis | Chardonnay | Gewürztraminer | Liebfraumilch | Pinot Gris | Riesling | Sauvignon Blanc | Viognier |
| Sparkling wines | Champagne |
| Fortified wines | Marsala | Madeira | Muscat | Port | Vermouth | Sherry |
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