Ep 627: The Grape Mini-Series Garnacha/Grenache Refresh

This week I cover the 5th most planted grape in the world, which seems French but is actually Spanish -- Garnacha, aka, Grenache. This is a friendly grape but it doesn't often get recognition because it is the powerhouse of some of the most coveted and popular blends in the world, most of which are named by place. I talk about origins, how it behaves in the vineyard, regions and more. It's an important grape now that more people are growing varietal Grenache/Garnacha but it may have more importance in the future because it is so adaptable to warm climates.

Photo: Garnacha Tinta. Credit: https://garnachagrenache.com/

In this show, I refresh a show from 8 years ago (!), discussing Garnacha/Grenache in all its detail in this deep dive. I discuss:

• The old and disputed history of Garnacha/Grenache
• How the grape acts in the vineyard and the best conditions for the grape
• Winemaking and what Garnacha requires in the cellar
• The grape's flavors, depending on where it's grown and how it has been made
• The main regions where the grape is grown and the differences between the wines from the major areas

Given how many styles there are (everything from light blends to complex blends to standalone wines to rosé and fortified wines!) and how the cultures and traditions of places determine what is in your glass, I can't do food and wine pairing on this show – it's too much to take on – but I encourage you to look in the back catalog for shows that address the specific regions – they all have pairing ideas!

I promise not to wait 8 years before covering this grape again!

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