The blue wine grape variety known as Grenache (or Grenache Noir) is indigenous to Aragon, Spain, where it is known as garnacha. The Aragonese kingdom's growth in the fifteenth century was aided by its expansion into Sardinia, Corsica, Roussillon, and the Provencal coast. This grape variety is among the most widely grown in the world today.

This is a high-quality grape variety that can yield rich, full-bodied red wines, fragrant and smooth rosé wines, or naturally sweet wines that have a significant ageing potential. At least three distinct skin tones exist for Grenache: purple for Grenache Noir, pale crimson for Grenache Gris, and green for Grenache Blanc.

What style of red wine is Grenache?

The Grenache has a medium to full body, bright color, and a heady bouquet of tobacco, orange peel, raspberry, and plum notes. Typically, Grenache has soft berries, medium acidity, and well-balanced tannins, making it an approachable wine. The regions in which grapes are grown affect the styles.

Grenache, when made properly, is a delicious, round, fruity, and hearty wine that can be truly majestic. The full body and the sweet sensation from the high alcohol and glycerol content account for most of the sympathy. Anticipate flavors of black cherries, plump red fruit, baking spices, and a touch of white pepper; in warmer climates, these flavors transform into jammy, stewed fruit flavors.

Best wine pairings for Grenache. 

Grenache is a versatile wine that goes well with a wide variety of foods, making it a great choice for a meal. Here are some fantastic ideas for a Grenache wine and food pairing:

• Grenache wine goes well with grilled chicken, lamb, or steak. The fruitiness of the wine will be complemented by the grill's smoky flavors.
• Pasta dishes pair exceptionally well with Grenache wines. Consider serving it with a vegetable-rich dish or pasta with a tomato base.
• Try pairing a Grenache wine with brownies or chocolate cake for a unique experience. The fruity notes in the wine will be accentuated by the sweetness of the chocolate.
• Try a Grenache wine with sushi or a fruit salad for a light and refreshing combination. The fruit's acidity will counterbalance the wine's sweetness.

Grenache in Europe

With nearly 100,000 hectares under cultivation, it is one of the most popular grape varieties in France. Between 1958 and now, it expanded from 24,800 ha to 95,000 ha. It can be found in the vineyards of Languedoc-Roussillon, Côtes du Rhône, Corsica, and Provence, as well as throughout the Mediterranean coast. It is available in practically all AOCs for rosé, red, or natural sweet wine, and is occasionally required. The plant is grown on 22,400 hectares in Sardinia, Sicily, and Calabria, where it is commonly referred to as Cannonau. Sardinia's primary grape variety yields wines with a rich body. Under the name Tai, it can also be found in Colli Berici (Veneto) and Umbria around Lake Trasimeno. Under the name Garnacha, it is grown almost entirely in the northern regions of Spain.

GSM

Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvedre three grape varieties related to each other. They complement one another and get along well. Grenache adds roundness and fat, Syrah adds notes of black fruits and herbs and Mourvèdre adds tannins and wildness. And the result is wines that are strong, nuanced, and age well. This mixture is especially common in the Rhône valley's southern region. The most well-known wine in the area is produced in the renowned Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation, where premium GSM blends have been made for centuries.