What Is Grenache?
Grenache is a red wine produced from a dark-skinned grape variety of the same name. It originated in the Aragon region of Spain, where it is known as Garnacha and is among the most popular vines grown in Spain and France. There is also the Grenache Blanc (aka Garnacha Blanca), a full-bodied white wine that originated in northern Spain. With some of the oldest grenache vines in the world, Barossa and McLaren Vale are popular regions for the grape here in Australia.
Is Grenache light or heavy?
Grenache is famous for its lighter to medium body with medium acidity and tends to be a little heavier on alcohol content, hovering around 13.5-16% ABV on average. A versatile wine to be enjoyed on its own or paired with food, grenache is generally lighter on the palate and all about fruit purity.
Is Grenache wine sweet or dry?
Grenache can be dry, semi-sweet, or sweet, depending on the winemaker’s style and choice of winemaking techniques.
What does Grenache wine taste like?
Grenache is loaded with red fruit flavours, including raspberry, cherries, strawberries, plums, cranberries, etc. The nose often displays aromas of liquorice, dried herbs, red grapefruit, and orange rind. Often you’ll find a spicy touch of star anise and/or black pepper with careful oak treatment, and older grenache wines can be spicy, herbal, and enticingly complex.
Which are the popular regions where Grenache wine is produced?
While Grenache originated in Spain, it is grown all over the world, predominately in warmer climates. Some of the most popular regions are Rhône Valley in France, Sardinia in Italy, Barossa and McLaren Vale in Australia, and Sonoma County, California.
To help you on your journey, we have compiled a list of the top 5 Grenache wines.
Top 5 Grenache Wines to Try
1. Penfolds Bin 138 Shiraz Grenache Mataro:
A thrilling wine crafted by one of the most famous Aussie producers and sourced from 100-year-old Barossa Valley vines... Where do we sign? Rich in aromas, generous in fruits, and a pleasing mineral freshness throughout, this is a must-try.
2. The Ethereal One Fleurieu Grenache:
Fresh, silky, and soft with swirling flavours of plum, strawberry, and raspberry, this is a top-notch choice for any celebration. This award-winning SA wine is made by winemaker Mark Jamieson and BWS is among the few stores it’s made exclusively for.
3. Pepperjack Mclaren Vale Grenache:
This Pepperjack drop is perfect for grenache enthusiasts or newbies alike. Loaded with dark cherry, mulberry, cranberries, and ripe raspberries, it's soft yet full of flavour. Enjoy a medley of aromas and silky tannins with a finessed and long finish. Tasty stuff.
4. Tempranillo Grenache:
This blend of tempranillo plus grenache equals power-packed flavour and finesse. Think floral notes, strawberry, raspberry, liquorice, and orange rind blended with cherry, leather, dark berries, plums, and spice.
5. Serafino Mclaren Vale Reserve Grenache:
Finely crafted by an award-winning winemaker, the Serafino Mclaren Vale Reserve Grenache is a deliciously perfumed medium-bodied wine. The palate is bright and fruit-forward with complex flavours of spice, violets, and plums and a silky finish—the perfect addition to any party to cheers in style.
Other Popular Brands of Grenache At BWS
Some great Grenache brands to try are:
Little Giant South Australia Grenache
Yangarra Estate Old Vine Grenache
Tread Softly Grenache
d'Arenberg The Custodian Grenache
Oliver's Taranga Grenache
Grenache and Food Pairings
Grenache is the perfect partner for food, with tons of dishes that pair beautifully. Meat lover? Go for stews, BBQ chicken, slow-cooked pork, roasted beef, or a leg of lamb with all the trimmings. More of a veggie fan? Try mushroom dumplings or mushroom pasta, stuffed zucchini, grilled eggplant, or roasted stuffed capsicums. More of a sweet tooth? You’ll be happy to know that grenache is an excellent dessert wine, so try poached pears with a caramel sauce, chocolate cake, or brownies.
Get adventurous and treat yourself to a glass of grenache. At BWS, we have the perfect bottle just waiting for you at the best price. Just pop into one of our many BWS stores or buy online for in-store pick up or ASAP delivery right to your door.
Go on and grab your glasses, and cheers!