Garnacha / Grenache

Garnacha / Grenache is now one of the most widely planted red wine grape varieties in the world. It ripens late so it thrives in the hot, dry Mediterranean climate such as eastern Spain and southern France where the grape originated. Garnacha / Grenache has red fruit flavors such as raspberry and strawberry with a subtle white pepper note. As the wine ages, it tends to take on more leather and tar flavors. Wines made from Garnacha / Grenache tend to lack acid, tannin and color, so it is often blended with other grape varieties. In Rioja, it blends with tempranillo. In Southern Rhone, especially in Chateauneuf-du-Pape, it is typically over 80% of the blend. In Australia, it is typically blended with Shiraz and Mourvedre as “GSM”.

Main wine regions are Rhone, Chateauneuf-du-Pape in France, Rioja, Priorat and Calatayud in Spain, Sardinia, Sicily and Calabria in Italy, California and Washington in USA, and South Australia.