Grenache

Grenache is a red wine varietal originating in Spain, where you may also see it referred to as Garnacha. While the grape may have started in Spain, most of the plantings are now in France, accounting for about 50% of the worldwide vines, followed by Spain, Italy, Algeria, the United States, and Australia.

According to Forbes, in 2018, the varietal was the seventh most planted wine grape globally, covering 163,000 hectares. 70% of the vineyards in the famous Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation in the Rhône Valley are Grenache. Whilst you will often see the varietal on its own, it is often blended, particularly with Shiraz and Mataro to produce the popular Grenache-Shiraz-Mataro (GSM). You will notice variations on this blend year to year depending on each varietal’s characteristics that vintage, wherein some years Shiraz may be more dominant, producing an SMG or an SGM.

Aromas

Grenache offers a compelling aromatic profile, combining fruit, spice, and herbal nuances. Its aromas include ripe red fruits like strawberry and raspberry, with occasional hints of black cherry or plum, dried herbs, and lavender. You may also find white pepper, baking spices, and subtle smoky or meaty undertones.

Flavours

Grenache is celebrated for its approachable fruitiness and spice. Its flavours include strawberry, raspberry, red cherry, and ruby red grapefruit, with hints of liquorice and leather. You may also find chocolate, vanilla and prune flavours.

Tannins and Body

Low to medium tannins are often soft and silky, though higher in blends or from older vines. The wines are medium to full-bodied, with a smooth and warming texture.

Cool v Warm climate

Grenache adapts well to different climates, resulting in a variety of styles:

Cool-climate wines have bright red fruits like cranberry and red cherry, elevated acidity, and a more pronounced herbal character. This higher acidity leads to a fresher and more vibrant profile. Finer and softer tannins give the wine an elegant, light-bodied feel. They are fresh and light in style and more aromatic, often with a subtle earthy or mineral edge. You will find these in regions like the cooler parts of France’s Rhône Valley, Australia, and Spain’s higher-altitude vineyards.

Warm-climate wines are ripe and jammy with dark fruits like mission fig and prune and hints of spice and dried herbs. Lower acidity results in a rounder and more opulent palate. The wine’s richness often balances more robust and structured tannins. These wines are fuller-bodied, fruit-forward, and bold, with concentrated flavours and a velvety texture. You will find these in regions like Southern Rhône (Châteauneuf-du-Pape), Spain (Priorat and Campo de Borja), and California (Paso Robles).

Listed below are the wineries that produce Grenache.

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