Grenache, also known as Garnacha in Spain and Cannonau in Italy, is a versatile red grape variety known for producing wines with a wide range of styles, from light and fruity to rich and full-bodied.
What to Pair Your Grenache With
3 Recipes for Grenache
Grilled Meats
Grilled Meats
Description :
Chianti’s firm tannins and medium body pair beautifully with grilled meats such as steak, lamb, or pork chops.
Mediterranean Cuisine
Mediterranean Cuisine
Description :
The herbal and spicy qualities of Grenache pair wonderfully with Mediterranean dishes that feature herbs, garlic, and olive oil. The wine enhances the flavors of these dishes without overpowering them.
Vegetarian Dishes
Vegetarian Dishes
Description :
The wine’s versatility extends to vegetable-based dishes. It pairs well with roasted vegetables, mushroom dishes, or even a tangy vinaigrette salad, enhancing the dish’s flavors while keeping the palate refreshed.
More on Grenache
Grenache
Grenache, also known as Garnacha in Spain and Cannonau in Italy, is a versatile red grape variety known for producing wines with a wide range of styles, from light and fruity to rich and full-bodied. It thrives in hot and dry climates.
Appearance:
Color: Typically a deep ruby to garnet, depending on the age and region of the wine.
Opacity: Medium opacity, allowing some light to pass through, with a vibrant and clear appearance.
Aroma:
Primary Aromas: Stewed strawberry, grilled plum, raspberry, and cherry.
Secondary Aromas: Leather, dried herbs, white pepper, and occasionally hints of blood orange.
Tertiary Aromas: With age, Grenache can develop more complex aromas such as earth, tobacco, and even subtle notes of mushroom or forest floor.
Flavor Profile:
Fruit Flavors: Predominantly red fruit flavors, including raspberry, cherry, and strawberry.
Other Flavors: Notes of white pepper, dried herbs, licorice, and sometimes a smoky or earthy quality.
Oak Influence: Depending on the aging process, you might detect vanilla, caramel, and toasty notes from oak barrels.
Structure:
Body:Medium to full-bodied, offering a rich and rounded mouthfeel.
Tannins: Medium tannins, generally soft and approachable, especially when young.
Acidity: Medium acidity, providing a balanced structure and refreshing finish.
Alcohol: Typically high, often exceeding 15%, due to the grape’s ability to ripen fully in warm climates.
Popular Locations for Grenache
France (Southern Rhône Valley - Châteauneuf-du-Pape)