Grenache

“Garnacha” is an old grape variety that has undergone numerous mutations over the centuries. Thus there are various varieties derived from “Garnacha Tinta” such as “Grey Grenache” (Garnacha Roja), White Grenache (Garnacha Blanca) or Hairy Grenache (Garnacha Peluda) which is distinguished by a hairy lower surface of the leaf. The best-known variety is Grenache Noir (Garnacha Tinta) which is also known by various synonyms: Garnatxa in Catalonia or Cannonau in Sardinia or Alicante in various Italian regions. For their part, the Sardinians are convinced that the origin of this grape variety comes from Sardinia and from there migrated to France and Spain. The first written records concerning this grape variety date back to the Middle Ages both in Sardinia and in Spain.

A child of the south, Grenache loves heat and sun. At full maturity it produces heady, voluptuous wines, rich in alcohol with fine and supple tannins such as one imagines a southern wine. Since "Garnach" often lacks color and tannins, it is frequently blended with other grape varieties, in Spain mainly with Tempranillo , Mazuelo (or Carignan) and Graciano and in France with Mourvèdre , Syrah , Cinsault or Carignan. It is also appreciated for rosé winemaking or for producing natural sweet wines as in Maury or Banyuls, two regions in the south of France near the Pyrenees.

But let's not lose sight of the fact that Garnacha should in no way be underestimated. In good exposures, with old vines and slightly over-ripe, it can produce truly stunning high-class wines. The best examples are Château Rayas in Châteauneuf-du-Pape (where Grenache found its adopted homeland but also its northern limits) or Alvaro Palacio's “Clos l'Ermita” in Priorat (Catalonia).