Grenache

About the grape

Grenache noir is the lead grape in many southern French wines including Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Côtes-du-Rhône, and Gigondas, and a top grape in Spanish regions such as Priorat, and it makes devastatingly great wine from old vines in Australia. Spanish in origin — rightfully known as garnacha, thought to have arisen in Aragon — it is genetically unstable and difficult to grow. Top examples have unmistakable purity, richness, and beauty plus a cherry-preserves aroma; grenache is not particularly high in tannin, so great examples have a sappy, luxurious texture, and it is usually blended with carignan, syrah, and mourvèdre.

Where it grows

Barossa Valley, Catalunya, McLaren Vale, Priorat, Rhône Valley, Rioja, South Australia

Styles it shapes

• The Supple Everyday Red
• The Crisp Dry Rosé
• The Fruity Easy Rosé