Grenache Wine Guide
Discover Grenache, the sun-loving grape of the Mediterranean. Learn about its ripe fruit flavors, importance in Southern Rhone blends, and Spanish Garnacha expressions.
Characteristics
- Medium to full-bodied with low acidity
- Flavors of ripe raspberry, strawberry, and white pepper
- Soft tannins with generous alcohol
- Often blended with Syrah and Mourvedre (GSM)
Food Pairings
- Grilled Mediterranean vegetables
- Herb-roasted lamb
- Provencal stews and cassoulet
- Mild to medium cheeses
Serving Temperature
60-65°F (16-18°C)
The Mediterranean Workhorse
Grenache (known as Garnacha in Spain) is one of the world’s most widely planted red grapes, thriving in hot, dry climates across the Mediterranean. Its ability to produce generous yields of ripe, fruity wine makes it essential to the blends of Southern France and Spain, while top producers coax stunning complexity from old vines.
Tasting Grenache
Classic Flavors
- Fruit: Ripe raspberry, strawberry, cherry, candied fruit
- Secondary: White pepper, herbs de Provence, garrigue (wild herbs)
- With age: Leather, dried fruit, coffee, roasted nuts
On the Palate
Medium to full-bodied with low acidity and soft tannins. High alcohol is common (14-16%). The wine tends toward richness and roundness rather than structure.
World Regions
Southern Rhone, France
The backbone of Chateauneuf-du-Pape and Cotes du Rhone, blended with Syrah and Mourvedre (the GSM blend). These wines showcase Grenache’s generous fruit with added structure from blending partners.
Priorat, Spain
Old-vine Garnacha grown on steep slate slopes produces some of Spain’s most concentrated and age-worthy wines, with mineral complexity that elevates the grape.
Aragon, Spain
The grape’s likely birthplace, where old-vine Garnacha increasingly gains recognition for producing wines of remarkable depth and value.
Food Pairings
Grenache’s ripe fruit and soft tannins pair beautifully with:
- Grilled Mediterranean vegetables
- Herb-roasted lamb
- Provencal stews and cassoulet
- Mild to medium cheeses
Rose Excellence
Grenache is the primary grape in many of the world’s finest roses, particularly from Provence and Navarra. Its pale color, fresh strawberry fruit, and low tannins make it ideal for refreshing pink wines.
Old Vine Magic
Some of Grenache’s greatest wines come from old vines (vielles vignes), particularly those planted before phylloxera devastated European vineyards. These centenarian vines produce tiny yields of intensely concentrated fruit.
Learn More with Sommo
Use the Sommo app to explore Grenache wines from the Rhone to Priorat, discover the best rose options, and track your favorite Mediterranean reds.
Photo by Lydia Venjohn on Unsplash
