Grenache (Grenache Noir):
(Taken from: http://www.granclos.com/)
Climate/Terrior:
This grape likes hotter climates. It’s one of the most widely grown red
grapes. It does well in many different types of soil. It likes Mediterranean
climates for it’s hot temperature and dryness.It's becoming more popular in southern France.
The vines have a strong wood canopy, which protects the grapes from high
winds.
It is susceptible to shatter. This is a problem in which vineyard or
weather conditions inhibit pollination. Pruning too early can cause it or
extreme weather conditions.
Grenache buds early, making it require an exceptionally long growing
season. It I one of the last grapes harvested. The thick wood vines make
mechanical harvesting difficult.
Grenache grows best in Rhône Valley, France, and Spain. It’s usually
blended with Syrah, Carignan, Tempranillo, and/or Cinsaut. When Grenache is
added, it usually helps to give the wines a fruity and full feel.
(Taken from: http://www.sundaytimeswineclub.co.uk/)
Qualities:
Grenache wines age quickly, it’s prone to oxidation. It’s meant for
immediate consumption. It has a low pigment and thin skin. Wines made from this
grape are usually heavy, full, and fleshy wines. Grenache also has a high
concentration of sugar (due to the long growing period).
Flavor:
Grenache has strong fruit flavors. This is a spicy grape. Tannins are
low. (Older vines produce grapes with more tannins.) Acidity is noticeable. Some
common descriptors include currant, cherry, raisin, blackberry, allspice,
cinnamon, orange blossom
Aromas: black pepper, menthol, licorice
It’s usually very alcoholic (15-16%) and dark, especially in France.
California’s Grenache is lighter.
Variations:
There are variations of Grenache: Grenache Noir (or Grenache red),
Grenache blanc, Grenache Rose, and Grenache Gris.
History:
This grape is thought to originate in northern Spain in Aragon. From
here it spread out to other Mediterranean areas.
The phylloxera outbreak actually had a positive impact on Grenache.
Since Grenache is so easy to graft, people began replanting their vineyards
with it.
In Rhône Valley, it is believed to have been influenced by merchants
from Burgundy.
Rhône Valley:
(Taken from: http://www.insiderwinetours.com/)
Grenache is the grape that is most widely grown in the southern Rhône
Valley, especially in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Many of these areas choose
Grenache as their primary grape in their varietals. (Syrah is also widely grown
here.)
Tavel:
Tavel is a rosé blend. Grenache is it’s primary grape. It
should be consumed within two years of being produced.
Australia:
Australia has recently been successful in growing Grenache. It was brought there by James Busby in 1832. It’s
one of the first varietals to be grown in Australia. Grenache is the main grape in most of Australia’s fortified
wines. Grenache is mainly grown in southern Australia in Barossa Valley and McLaren
Vale.
(Taken from: http://www.wineanorak.com/)
Sources:
·
http://www.winepros.org/wine101/grape_profiles/grenache.htm
· http://www.winelit.slsa.sa.gov.au/grapeswines.htm
