Grenache wine is one of the oldest varieties that hails from the Mediterranean region. Often referred to as ‘the grandfather of grape varieties’ it has a rich history over thousands of years that have seen it favoured among many cultures and religions, due to its diverse flavour profile and high levels of alcohol content.
Grenache grapes produce glowing reds, light rosé wines, and even sweet desserts – a truly versatile varietal! What’s more amazing about this ancient variety is all the surprising facts about what makes them so special.
Keep on reading if you want to learn more about this unique old-world style!
5 Surprising Facts About Grenache Wine
Grenache is one of the oldest grape varieties in the world.
It’s a little-known fact that Grenache is one of the oldest grape varieties in the world. This makes it especially notable, as many of today’s wines are derived from recently developed hybrids and clones.
Grenache has been widely cultivated for centuries, originating in Spain and becoming popularly used for its quality blends across France, Italy, and Australia. Its ever-evolving flavour profile consists of sweet plum and dark cherry fruit flavours highlighted by distinctive spice tones.
Oftentimes referred to as Grenache Noir or Garnacha, this esteemed wine variety can be enjoyed on its own or incorporated into other varieties – making it an invaluable part of wines around the world.
Grenache is a wine of many names.
Grenache is a beloved red wine, full of gusto and flavour. What many don’t know, however, is that it can be found under a variety of other names around the world. In Spain, it often goes by the name Garnacha; while in Italy, it adds an ‘e’ at the end to become Cannonau.
In France, it’s most commonly known as Grenache Noir and has seen its fair share of success in wines made in the southern Rhône Valley. All of these variances are based on this delicious grape and serve as a testament to its great versatility as a key player in winemaking worldwide.
The Grenache grape is known for its high sugar content.
It may surprise many wine enthusiasts to learn that Grenache grapes, the backbone of Spanish, French and Italian wines, have incredibly high sugar content. In fact, it’s renowned for its ‘fleshy’ nature and full-bodied flavour – attributes which are mainly associated with the grape’s high sugar content.
Because of this exceptionally sweet taste profile, Grenache wines tend to be fruity and earthy with a bold character often likened to ripe cherries and plums. The robustness of the wine is highly sought after for blending with other varietals, as its intense flavour balance can often soften more intense flavoured wines like Syrah or Mourvedre.
For these reasons and more, Grenache grapes remain a popular choice of winemakers worldwide.
Grenache wines are typically medium-bodied and have high alcohol levels.
Grenache wine is known for its well-balanced structure and complexity, which makes it an excellent choice for many occasions. What might surprise some people is that not only do Grenache wines have a rich flavour, but they also tend to pack a punch in terms of alcohol content, with most having higher levels than other varieties.
This can be balanced by their subtle sweetness and mouthfeel — and when we add in the forward aromas, Grenache can be an energetic yet soothing element in any food pairing or celebration.
Grenache wines are typically fruit-forward and have moderate tannins.
Grenache wines are becoming increasingly popular, as they deliver an excellent balance between fruit and tannin. Unlike heavier reds such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache is surprisingly light, with delicate notes of berry fruits and a soft and smooth mouthfeel.
This makes them ideal for pairing with a wide range of foods, especially those featuring lighter ingredients, or dishes that have some sweetness and need a fruity wine to offset the flavour. Additionally, these light-bodied wines also pair well with barbecued meats or grilled vegetables – so don’t hesitate to pull out a few bottles for your summer BBQs!
Cheers to Grenache Wine
Who would have thought that such a versatile and ancient grape variety like grenache could produce such diverse wines? With its high sugar content, it’s no wonder that grenache is often used in dessert wines. But as we’ve seen, it can also be used to make dry, full-bodied reds that are great for ageing.
If you’re a fan of big, bold reds, then definitely give grenache a try. And if you’re looking for something different to bring to your next dinner party, why not try a Grenache Blanc or Rosé? Whatever wine you choose, just remember to enjoy it with good friends and good food!
