Grenache/Garnacha

Question 1

What climate does Grenache/Garnacha prefer?

Answer 1

Warm

Question 2

In which country did Grenache originate?

Answer 2

Spain, where it is known as Garnacha.

Question 3

Describe the general profile of Grenache/Garnacha.

Answer 3

• Dry
• Low acidity
• Low to medium tannin
• Medium to high alcohol
• Medium to full body
• Very red fruited (wild plum, red cherry)
• Occasionally spicy (white pepper, liquorice)

Question 4

Is Grenache thin skinned or thick skinned?

Answer 4

Thin skinned

Grenache produces wines of just-medium color intensity, which makes it a good grape for rosé.

Question 5

What method of rosé production is usually deployed for Grenache/Garnacha?

Answer 5

Short maceration

Question 6

Why are other grapes blended with Grenache/Garnacha, such as Syrah (in France) and Tempranillo (in Spain)?

Answer 6

Syrah and Tempranillo add depth of color, tannin and acidity to Grenache’s light color, low acidity and low-ish tannins.

Question 7

Fill in the blank:

A simple Grenache crafted for early consumption will usually be fermented and aged for a short time in _____ vessels, while a more complex, sturdy, and high-quality Grenache will usually be fermented and/or aged in _____ vessels.

Answer 7

inert, oak

Simple/early consumption: inert vessels

Complex/high quality: oak vessels (new, used, or a combination of both)

Question 8

What flavors do Grenache or Grenache-based wines develop as they age?

Answer 8

• Meat
• Earth/mushrooms
• Dried red fruits

Question 9

What region in France is most important for Grenache?

Answer 9

The Rhône Valley, specifically the Southern Rhône.

Question 10

What is the climate of the Southern Rhône?

Answer 10

Warm

It can often get downright hot in the Southern Rhône.

Question 11

What are some contributing factors to Southern Rhône’s warmth?

Answer 11

• It’s flat (flatter than Northern Rhône)
• It’s further south in latitude

Question 12

Is Grenache the only black grape allowed in the Southern Rhône?

Answer 12

No

Grenache is one of many black grapes in the Southern Rhône. It is typically blended with Syrah and other local grapes (e.g. Mourvèdre).

Question 13

What is the most important appellation in the Southern Rhône for Grenache?

Answer 13

Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC

Question 14

Describe the typical flavor profile of a red wine from Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC

Answer 14

• Dry
• Full body
• High alcohol
• Medium acidity
• Medium tannin
• Ripe red and black fruits (because it’s usually blended)
• Herbal (thyme, rosemary)
• Herbaceous (tomato leaf)

Question 15

What is special about the vineyard soil in Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC?

Answer 15

Vineyards are filled with large stones (called “pudding stones”) which absorb heat during the day and then redistribute that heat to the vines at night.

Question 16

Name 2 appellations in the Southern Rhône known for simple, approachable, and affordable Grenache-based blends, and which one is more likely to be a touch more complex and interesting?

Answer 16

1. Côtes du Rhône AOC
2. Côtes du Rhône Villages AOC (more complex)

Question 17

What is an important appellation in the South of France for Grenache-based red blends and rosés?

Answer 17

Minervois AOC

Grenache here is usually blended with Syrah.

Question 18

Which appellation in Spain is known for making full-bodied, high alcohol, robust Grenache-based blends?

Answer 18

Priorat DOCa

Priorat is in Catalunya, in northeastern Spain.

Question 19

What are the 2 north-central appellations in Spain known for fresh, red-fruited wines with Garnacha as a component?

Answer 19

1. Rioja DOCa
2. Navarra DO

Question 20

What style of wine is Navarra DO best known for?

Answer 20

Dry rosés

Question 21

In Australia, Grenache is grown and made as a high-quality varietal in which 2 warm places?

Answer 21

• Barossa Valley
• McLaren Vale

Question 22

What grapes are usually blended with Grenache in Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale?

Answer 22

• Shiraz
• Other varieites, e.g. Mourvèdre