Grenache/Garnacha

Question 1

What is Grenache called in Spain?

Answer 1

Garnacha

Question 2

What climate does Granche need to ripen?

Answer 2

Warm climate

Question 3

Does Grenache have thick or thin skins?

Answer 3

Thin

Question 4

Describe the characteristics of Grenache. (acidity, tannins, flavours)

Answer 4

Low acidity
Low to medium tannins
Red fruit flavours (strawberry, red plum, red cherry) and spice (white pepper, liquorice)

Question 5

Other than red wines, what other style is Grenache often used to make?

Answer 5

Rosé

Question 6

What other black varieties is Grenache often blended with? what do these varieties bring to the wine?

Answer 6

Syrah/Shiraz (France, Australia)
Tempranillo (Spain)
They add colour, tannins, acidity to Grenache

Question 7

Can Grenache wines be matured in oak?

Answer 7

Yes
(Very good to outstanding often aged in oak barrels, some producers favouring old oak to not mask delicate flavours)

Question 8

In which part of the Rhône Valley is Grenache an important grape variety?

Answer 8

Southern Rhône

Question 9

Are red wines from the Southern Rhône typically single variety Grenache or blends?

Answer 9

Blends (including Syrah)

Question 10

What is the difference between a wine labelled Côtes du Rhône AOC and Côtes du Rhône Villages AOC?

Answer 10

Côtes du Rhône = broadest regional appellation. Simple, medium bodied wines from immediate consumption
Côtes du Rhône Villages = grapes must come from select number of villages. A bit more flavour intensity and complexity (but still quite simple).

Question 11

Name the famous Southern Rhône cru which produces full bodied wines with high alcohol, concentration, complexity, and aging potential.

Answer 11

Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC

Question 12

Name the AOC in the Languedoc-Roussilon where the wines are blends of Grenache and other varieties including Syrah.

Answer 12

Minervois AOC

Question 13

Describe the style of rosé labelled Côtes de Provence AOC.

Answer 13

Grenache blends
Dry, pale coloured

Question 14

Are grapes from the Northern Rhône permitted in the wines labelled Côtes du Rhône AOC?

Answer 14

Yes. Although in practice, they are almost exclusively from grapes grown in the Southern Rhône

Question 15

Name the region in Spain where Grenache contributes body and fresh red fruit flavours to the blend (Tempranillo)?

Answer 15

Rioja DOCa

Question 16

Name the region in Spain where Garnacha is used to make dry rosé and is part of the blend for red wines?

Answer 16

Navarra DO

Question 17

Describe the styles of wines produced in Priorat DOCa.

Answer 17

Full bodied, powerful, Garnacha based red wines (Spain)
Can mature for extended periods (dried fruit and caramel flavours)

Question 18

Name the 2 famous regions in Australia for the production of Grenache.

Answer 18

Barossa Valley
McLaren Vale