Grenache Flashcards
What is the budburst and ripening pattern of Grenache?
Early budding, late ripening
What are typical vineyard challenges with Grenache?
Prone to oxidation, coulure, and fungal/bacterial diseases (e.g., downy mildew, phomopsis, botrytis, necrosis, blight)
What soil and climate conditions does Grenache prefer?
Thrives in dry, low-fertility soils; drought and wind resistant
How is Grenache typically trained?
Bush-trained, especially in hot, dry climates
How can high vigour in Grenache vines be managed?
Through pruning
What are the key stylistic traits of Grenache wines?
Pale colour, low acidity, low–medium tannins, high alcohol, medium–full body
What are typical flavour notes in Grenache?
Strawberry, cherry, spice
What are premium-level winemaking techniques for Grenache?
Hand harvesting in small crates, destemmed, cold soak (1–3 days), whole bunch inclusion for aromatics, warm ferment in stainless/concrete/wood, maceration 20–30 days; punch-downs, rack & return, matured 12–24 months in large French oak (20–30% new)
What are inexpensive production techniques for Grenache?
Machine harvesting, quick processing to prevent oxidation, carbonic maceration for fruit-forward styles, short maceration, stainless ageing, flash détente / thermovinification sometimes used
What are the rosé production techniques for Grenache?
Cold maceration (12–48 hrs), pressed, fermented like white wine, aged in stainless/concrete/old oak, saignée method sometimes used
What is the climate of the Southern Rhône?
Warm Mediterranean; mistral winds; drought risk rising; soils include limestone, clay, galets roulés
What is the hierarchy of Southern Rhône AOCs?
Côtes du Rhône AOC – 51 hl/ha, 30% Grenache min; Côtes du Rhône Villages AOC – 44 hl/ha, 66% GSM; Named Villages – ~35 hl/ha; Crus – Gigondas, Vacqueyras, Vinsobres, Rasteau, Cairanne, Beaumes-de-Venise, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Lirac, Tavel
What are key cru highlights in the Southern Rhône?
Gigondas: up to 600m, shaded → less alcohol, more finesse; Vacqueyras: 440m, structured and premium; Vinsobres: SE slopes, long ripening, very good quality; Rasteau: warmer, full-bodied; Cairanne: Fruity, high quality reputation; Châteauneuf-du-Pape: 30 hl/ha, blended across soils, high alcohol, med+ tannin; Tavel (Rosé): 60% max any single variety, 46 hl/ha, medium-pink, med–full body
What are the satellite appellations in Southern Rhône?
Costières de Nîmes: Coop-driven, good–very good; Grignan-les-Adhémar: Inexpensive, good; Ventoux: Fresh, good–very good; Luberon: Flatter, good–very good
What are the style groups for Grenache wines?
Red Fruit: Côtes du Rhône, Tavel, Cairanne, Ventoux; Full-Bodied / High Alcohol: CNdP, Rasteau, Gigondas; Black Fruit: CNdP, Gigondas, Vacqueyras; Soil Influence: Galets roulés (CNdP), limestone/clay, sand = elegance (Tavel); Premium Wines: CNdP, Gigondas, Vacqueyras, Vinsobres, Tavel (rosé)
What are the characteristics of Languedoc AOC?
Simple, fruity, acceptable–good
What are the characteristics of Corbières AOC?
Structured, herbal, good–outstanding
What are the characteristics of Minervois AOC?
Fruity, herby; La Livinière = elegant, refined
What are the characteristics of Saint-Chinian AOC?
North = schist/concentrated; South = clay/light
What are the characteristics of Fitou AOC?
Coastal = light; inland = schist/intense
What are the characteristics of Faugères AOC?
Schist soils, concentrated
What are the characteristics of Terrasses du Larzac AOC?
High diurnal range, premium
What are the characteristics of La Clape AOC?
Ripe, full-bodied
What are the highlights of Roussillon?
Côtes du Roussillon – Fruity, everyday; Villages – More structure, depth; Collioure AOC – Steep, full-bodied, intense
