Dec 2013
Grenache/Garnacha
December, 2013 Filed in: Wine varieties
Vineco is offering 2 kits as part of their KenRidge Showcase Collection, their version of Limited Editions that have Grenache or Garnacha in a blend so let’s find out what this grape variety is all about.
Yes, grape variety and not grape varieties. You see the Spanish call it Garnacha and the rest of the world Grenache. You would think the Spanish should conform to the rest of the world, but alas the grape originated in Spain, so perhaps it is us that should change, but I will for simplicity, call it Grenache. Grenache is one of the most widely planted red wine varieties in the world, but it seldom used exclusively in a finished wine, rather it is a blending grape. Why? Well Grenache on its own lacks colour, acid and wonderful tannins. However it makes up for it’s shortcomings with a spicy, berry flavour that is soft on the palate. Because the Grenache grape is loaded with sugars, it will deliver high alcohol and body. This grape has to be grown in hot dry climates as it takes a longer period to mature than other varieties, often weeks longer. Thus, southern France and Spain are perfect growing areas for this grape variety
As mentioned it is seldom used on its own, but very common in French blends such as Chateauneuf-du-Pape and Cotes-du-Rhône. In Australia, it is often blended with Syrah and Mourvedre and affectionately called GSM. Wines containing Grenache will have great body, fruity tastes of strawberries and raspberries. Generally wines containing Grenache are heart wines that pair well with heart foods such as lamb, stews, ribs and chorizo sausage. Just think meat!
This month grab a Kenridge Spanish Tempranillo/Garnacha or in January go down under with the KenRidge Shiraz/Grenache. It is also Grenache finds its way into our regular offering our, Selection Australian GSM.
Yes, grape variety and not grape varieties. You see the Spanish call it Garnacha and the rest of the world Grenache. You would think the Spanish should conform to the rest of the world, but alas the grape originated in Spain, so perhaps it is us that should change, but I will for simplicity, call it Grenache. Grenache is one of the most widely planted red wine varieties in the world, but it seldom used exclusively in a finished wine, rather it is a blending grape. Why? Well Grenache on its own lacks colour, acid and wonderful tannins. However it makes up for it’s shortcomings with a spicy, berry flavour that is soft on the palate. Because the Grenache grape is loaded with sugars, it will deliver high alcohol and body. This grape has to be grown in hot dry climates as it takes a longer period to mature than other varieties, often weeks longer. Thus, southern France and Spain are perfect growing areas for this grape variety
As mentioned it is seldom used on its own, but very common in French blends such as Chateauneuf-du-Pape and Cotes-du-Rhône. In Australia, it is often blended with Syrah and Mourvedre and affectionately called GSM. Wines containing Grenache will have great body, fruity tastes of strawberries and raspberries. Generally wines containing Grenache are heart wines that pair well with heart foods such as lamb, stews, ribs and chorizo sausage. Just think meat!
This month grab a Kenridge Spanish Tempranillo/Garnacha or in January go down under with the KenRidge Shiraz/Grenache. It is also Grenache finds its way into our regular offering our, Selection Australian GSM.