Garnacha

Garnacha, also known as Grenache in France, is a versatile red wine grape variety that thrives in hot, dry climates. It is widely grown in Spain. Garnacha is known for producing wines with a broad range of styles, from light and fruity to rich and complex. It is often used in blends but also shines as a single-varietal wine. The grape’s late ripening allows for higher sugar levels, resulting in wines with high alcohol content and a full-bodied mouthfeel.

Appearance:

• Color: Garnacha wines typically range from a bright ruby to a deeper garnet color.
• Opacity: Generally clear with medium to high opacity, depending on the wine’s age and style.

Aroma:

• Primary Aromas: Red fruit aromas such as strawberry, raspberry, and cherry.
• Secondary Aromas: Herbal notes like white pepper, thyme, and sometimes lavender.
• Tertiary Aromas: Aged Garnacha wines can develop more complex aromas, including fig, leather, dried herbs, and sometimes smoky or earthy undertones.

Flavor Profile:

• Fruit Flavors: Dominated by red fruits (strawberry, raspberry, cherry) in younger wines. Older vines and aged wines may exhibit deeper fruit flavors like fig and plum.
• Other Flavors: Notes of white pepper, herbs, and occasionally floral elements like violet. Some examples may have hints of vanilla and spices if aged in oak.
• Oak Influence: While Garnacha is often unoaked to maintain its fresh fruit character, some versions see oak aging, which adds complexity with flavors of vanilla, toast, and spices.

Structure:

• Body: Medium to full-bodied.
• Tannins: Low to medium, providing a smooth texture.
• Acidity: Medium to high, offering a balanced freshness.
• Alcohol: Ranges from 13.5% to 15%.