Grenache

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.tablascreek.com/vineyard_and_winemaking/grapes/grenache

·      http://www.winepros.org/wine101/grape_profiles/grenache.htm

·      http://www.winelit.slsa.sa.gov.au/grapeswines.htm