Garnacha (Grenache) is a one of the red wine grape varieties that grown extensively in Spain, France, the United States and Australia. It is particularly versatile both in the wineries and the vineyard, which may explain why it is the most widely Grenache wine grape varieties, distributed in the world.
Grenache is the most internationally recognized name for the grape, though it has number of synonyms. It is also known as Garnacha, where it is one of the country’s flagship varieties in Spain. And on the island of Sardinia it has been known for decades as Cannonau. Some believes that the grape grown in Sardinia was taken back to Spain by the Aragonese, who occupied the island in 14th centuary.
What are the different varieties of grapes used in formation of prestigious wines?
Grenache is the second best grape varieties in Spain, surpassed only by its modern blending partner Tempranillo. It is grown in almost every area in Spain, but most notably in the east and north and is the key constituent in the prestigious wines of Priorat.
Rioja was particularly badly affected as the arrival of grapevine pest phylloxera to Iberian Peninsula in the 19th century brought unexpected benefits to Garnacha, as a result native vines were devastated. It was Garnacha that brought replenishment the vineyards and helped to re energize the wine industry. Following are the different types of grape varieties that are used in formation of best wines in the world ranking.
- Semillon Grape
- Tempranillo
Grenache Wine Taste
It is generally berry flavored, spicy and soft on the palate because it produces wine with relatively high alcohol content, it needs careful control of yields for best results. The unmistakable candied cinnamon and candied fruit roll-up flavor is what Grenache away to expert blind tasters. Characteristic flavor profile on Grenache includes:
- Red Fruit Flavors (strawberry and raspberry) with a subtle
- White Pepper Spice note.
It has medium to full bodied wine taste due to its higher alcohol content, but has a deceptively semi-translucent and a deceptively lighter color. Grenache often subtle aromas of ruby red grapefruit and orange rinds. It is one of the best tasting red wine and also you can check the below 5 red wines to explore taste:
- Shiraz
- Monastrell
- Petite Sirah
- Zinfandel
- Carmenere
3 Very Different Tasting Grenache Based Wines
French Grenache
The region’s wine varies year to year that too based on vintage variation. The Southern Rhone region is known for Grenache based wines. Along with cherry fruit expect more smoky herbal notes that include lavender, oregano and tobacco. The Rhone is little bit cooler region often making wines with slightly less alcohol and more finesse.
Spanish Garnacha
Late ripening Garnacha grapes can get very high sugar levels due to Calatayud, warmer growing region in Northern Spain. The ripe grapes usually ferment to alcohol levels above 15 percent that adds both spice and body. Garnacha from this area often smell slightly of licorice flavor and ruby red grapefruit with lots of cherry in it.
For the most part, Navarra has seasonal contrasts like hot and dry summers but very cold winter. The southern part of Navarra enjoys longer growing region as drier climate helps in ripen grapes further.
US Grenache
American Grenache is both aromatic grape varieties and fruit-forward with crisp acidity. Instead of herbal aroma like many Old World Grenache, the American versions smell more like flowers and licorice. American Grenache is often blended with touch of Syrah to add smooth and tannin out the flavor.
Which Red Wine is Healthiest for Longest Living People in the World?
When it comes to wine, there is still a lot of confusion about whether it is actually best red wine for your heart or your body or not. Cannonau di Sardegna, is the local name for Grenache, has two to three times of flavonoids (a type of antioxidant) if we compare to other red wines. If you take the “small doses of antioxidant-rich beverage throughout the day, which will ultimately result in fewer heart attacks and lower level of stress among men in the world,” says Buettner.
When it comes to drinking, moderation is the key. Drinking in excess has opposite effects that will lead to chronic illnesses and risk of diseases. While one to two glasses per day is linked to the amazing health benefits.
Garnacha Wine Pairing
Pairing food with wine elevates your dining experience. A wine that we all seeing more of in the stores is the Garnacha Grape varietal.
Grenache or Red Garnacha
Light Garnacha wines should be paired with poultry or pork, trout, salmon or barbecue. Best full bodied red wine makes the perfect wine for a special occasion. If it is a garnacha blend, much of the same food pairings are recommended although they can usually support in a better way in spicy food and wild game. I would recommend these recipes with a garnacha blend or red garnacha.
- Summer Harvest Salad
- Green Curry Fish
- Sweet Chili Shrimp with Lime
White Garnacha or Grenache
White varieties of Garnacha are completely delightful, I must say. You can often pair with lighter fishes, pizza, salads and blue cheese. I paired with a some manchego cheese and some light fig spread. And if you are looking for additional recipe pairings, I would recommend:
- Sweet Chili Shrimp
- Green Curry Fish
- Summer Harvest Salad
Is Grenache Wine Dry or Sweet?
The resulting of Garnacha wine is sweet, semi sweet or dry. Grenacha boasts plenty of lovely berry flavors like raspberry and strawberry. It is a mainly dry wine but gets quite ripe. Best red wines made from Granache go well with everything from grilled fare to your favorite hearty dishes. The Grenache is also made as a rose and is fortified for a few dessert wines.
Notable Garnacha (Grenache) Growing Regions
Grenache is grown vastly throughout the Rhone region of France and Central to North eastern Spain currently. And mainly it grows well in warm, dry and well drained soil.
In Spain, Priorat, Garnatxa vines thrive in schist and slate based soil where they strain for their nutriment. Ultimately, these vines produce complex and rich wines with elevated alcohol content. Sometimes over 18 percent.
