Exploring Grenache/Garnacha

Historically, the Grenache grape variety has been, and is still, heavily grown in southern France and Spain, but in more recent decades has become prolific in Australia and the United States.  It is also cultivated in Italy and Sardinia.  In Southern France, Grenache is typically blended with Syrah and Mourvedre, and in Spain, where it is called Garnacha, it is typically blended with Tempranillo.  In fact, Grenache is the third most cultivated black wine grape variety in the whole world, just short of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. It ranked number one in Australia until 1960 when Shiraz took the lead down under. Two other synonyms for Grenache besides Garnacha include Alicante (Sardinia), and Cannonau (Italy).

The grape produces medium to full bodied wines with red fruit character( strawberry, raspberry), herbs, liquorice, and black pepper spice.  It is typically lower in acidity, and higher in alcohol.

Grenache is the key grape in two of the world’s classic wines, Chateauneuf-du-Pape of France, and Vega Sicilia of Spain. Grenache is also heavily used in both countries to produce quality rose wines.  One such French classic rose example that you may have heard of is Tavel. 

The classic food pairing for Grenache or Grenache blends is grilled lamb, but it also pairs well with any barbecued, roasted, or braised red meat.  The wine also pairs nicely with Cheddar, Fontina, and firm cheeses made from sheep milk.

Is Grenache a favorite of yours?  I hope so, but if not, the reason might be that you’ve simply never experienced a quality, world class, Grenache.  When produced in its perfect “terroir”, Grenache is magnificent.  I’m in the process of bringing together five selections from the regions of the world that excel in producing world class Grenache that is truly worthy of your attention.   

What are we having?  We will taste three Grenache varietal selections, one from Spain’s Aragon region where Garnacha is believed to have originated, another from right here in California (well sort-of here), specifically from the Chalone AVA of Monterey County, and the third one from the McLaren Vale region of South Australia.  You will recognize the grape’s signature character in all three samples, but what gets real exciting is to experience firsthand the difference that terroir makes.  The last two selections will both be Grenache blends, one from the Catalonia region of northeastern Spain, and another classic blend from the Southern Rhone region of France.   You will truly know what Grenache tastes like when you leave this tasting, and I suspect will have a renewed appreciation for this beautiful grape variety.

When you’re in the area, stop by and let’s visit.   I’m sure I can find a bottle of something interesting to open.

Cheers!

Our Merlot Theme Tasting, 2/3/2012 and Upcoming Themes

Our Merlot Theme Tasting, 2/3/2012 and Upcoming Themes:

The tasting Friday night was certainly fun for me, and I hope it was half as much fun for those of you that joined us for the Merlot theme.  As is always the case, the more the merrier.   Although the tasting was technically one of Merlot varietals and blends, I think the selections represented a pretty good cross section of the world-class Merlots.  It’s very difficult to determine if any single wine was a clear winner, but what was clear is that the blends turned out to be favored over the varietals, even though the varietals were both pretty dog-on good. Thanks for everyone that participated.

Next week of course, we’re going to venture into the dark side and provide an interesting pairing of wines with chocolates (2/10.2012).  It’s definitely challenging, and always fun.  Even if you don’t like chocolate, my bet is that your valentine does, so plan now on grabbing your valentine and joining us for this chocolate and wine event.  I’m still deciding on the wine list, so be patient, and be prepared for a surprise or two.

Following next week’s chocolate theme, is our final varietal-based theme for at least five weeks.  On February 17^th, we’re going to taste Grenache (or Garnacha for some) from around the world.  Grenache is very popular from Australia, Spain and California, but probably most popular from France, especially southern France including the southern Rhone and Languedoc regions.  Some of the most well recognized Grenache blends of all time are still being produced in the famous Chateauneuf-du-Pape, formerly “Vin du Pape” or wine of the Pope appellation near Avignon.   Our Grenache selections will include a CDP as well as four other selections from other world-class quality Grenache producing regions of the world.

Following the Grenache theme we will then attempt to squeeze in four more regional themes, before spring. These regional themes will include Italy’s Piemonte region on February 24^th, France’s Rhone region on March 2^nd, Italy’s Veneto region on March 9^th, and then France’s Burgundy region on March 16^th.  They should all be fun and will hopefully represent some of the finest quality wines being produced from these regions.  After that, the sky is the limit. 

I’m still working on the themes that will follow Burgundy in mid March.  I suspect by then that spring will be sprung and we’ll all be thinking more about white and rose wines.  I am always interested in receiving new ideas for future themes from my customers.  Please send me your suggestions.  We already have a special new offering coming-up for this spring.  You will be hearing more about that soon.  I hope that you will attend as many of my theme tastings as possible.  I’m making every effort to hold the price down to $15 for each tasting. As always, there will be cheese or something tasty to enjoy with the wine selections.

Also, don’t forget where we are when you need to pick-up a quality bottle of wine.  I try very hard to always carry an interesting selection of wines, all of which are high quality and good values.  I know, everybody throws around the “quality” word, but few understand what it really means.  If you don’t know, then maybe it’s time to register for one of my Wine-101 Fundamental classes and find out.  Ask me about it the next time you visit.

Cheers!!