Chapter 18 - Grenache/Garnacha Flashcards
Describe Grenache
warm climate ripe grapes have high sugar/low acid thin skin - low/med tannin red fruit and spice best when controlled yeild
What winemaking and styles are used with Grenache?
Often used to make rose w/ a short maceration. dry-med sweet.
Also often blended w/ other black varieties such as Syrah in France or Tempranillo in Spain. These add color, acid, and tannin to grenache.
Many simple grenache based wines are unoaked, but v.good and outstanding are often matured in oak.
What Countries are notable for growing Grenache?
France - Spain - Australia
Describe French Grenache and its growing regions
Southern Rhone - much flatter than N.Rhone
warm due to southern latitude. S. Rhone wines are typically Grenache blends including Syrah
Cotes du Rhone AOC - least expensive, red fruit/spice
Cotes du Rhone Villages AOC - may offer higher concentration/quality
Chateauneuf-du-pape AOC- full bodied/high alc. many vineyards here covered with large round stones for heat retention. aged examples develop dried fruit and caramel.
South of France - Minervois AOC - one of the most important appellations in S.France. ripens well here, gives fruit and body to local blends including Syrah.
Describe Spanish Garnacha and its regions
Rioja DOCa - used to contribute body/red fruit
Navarra DO - known for dry rose
Priorat DOCa - most powerful, full bodied Garnacha based wines from very old vines
Describe Australian Grenache and its regions
Barossa Valley & McLaren Vale - home to many old grenache vines. some outstanding wines here-red fruit/spice.
Also used in blends with Shiraz and others, similar to chateauneuf du pape.
Explain labeling in Rhone Valley (grenache)
Cotes du Rhone AOC - covers all rhone but nearly all are grown in s.rhone. simple med-body for young drinking.
Cotes du Rhone Villages AOC - number of s.rhone villages. more intensity/complexity.
Rhone Crus - small number of vineyards have their own appellations.
