Grenache/Garnacha Flashcards
Why are both Grenache and Garnacha used?
Grenache = France
Garnacha = Spain
In what climate does G thrive?
Warm
What is G’s “home-land”
Spain
Describe the general profile of Grenache/Garnacha.
- Dry
- Low acidity
- Low to medium tannin
- Medium to high alcohol
- Medium to full body
- Red fruit (strawberry, plum, red cherry)
- Spice (white pepper, licorice)
Think skinned grape - wines are often pale in color
Is Grenache used to produce rosé?
Yes
What method of rosé production is usually used with Grenache/Garnacha?
Short maceration
Why is G often blended with other grapes?
Grapes such as Syrah and Tempranillo add depth of color, tannin and acidity to Grenache’s light color, low acidity and low-ish tannins.
Describe the style of Cotes du Rhone AOC wines.
Simple
Medium bodied
Red fruit
White pepper
Describe the style of Cotes du Rhone Villages AOC wines.
Higher level of intensity and complexity than Cotes du Rhone AOC.
How is oak used differently in Simple Grenache based wines meant for early drinking vs. more complex, high quality wines?
Simple are fermented and aged in inert vessels
Quality are fermented and/or aged in oak (old, new or combo)
What region in France is most important for Grenache?
The Southern Rhone Valley
What flavors do G based wines develop as they age?
Meat
Earth
Dried fruits
What is the climate of the Southern Rhône?
Warm
What factors contribute to the to Southern Rhône’s warmth?
- It’s flat (flatter than Northern Rhône)
- It’s further south in latitude
Is Grenache the only black grape in the Southern Rhône?
No - also Syrah and Mourvedre
What is the most important appellation in the Southern Rhône for Grenache?
Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC
Describe the style of red wine from Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC.
- 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)
What are the famous soils of the Southern Rhone?
Pudding Stones (galets)
These warm during the day and reflect the heat back upward toward the vines as the day cools.
Name 2 appellations in the Southern Rhône known for simple, approachable, and affordable Grenache-based blends.
- Côtes du Rhône AOC
- Côtes du Rhône Villages AOC (more complex)
What is an important appellation in the South of France for Grenache-based red blends and rosés?
Minervois AOC
(usually blended with Syrah)
Which appellation in Spain is known for making full-bodied, high alcohol, robust Grenache-based blends?
Priorat DOCa
