Grenache
A heat-loving Mediterranean red with ripe strawberry and spice. It's the backbone of Rhône blends and pale rosés, and it's prized in Paso Robles, Santa Barbara, Washington and Texas.
Grenache (Garnacha in Spain) is one of the most widely planted red grapes in the world. It loves heat and drought, ripens to high sugar, and is the backbone of southern Rhône wines like Châteauneuf-du-Pape, where it's blended with Syrah and Mourvèdre (the GSM blend). It's also the key grape in many of the world's best rosés.
What It Tastes Like
Grenache is fruity and spicy, with ripe strawberry, raspberry and cherry, plus white pepper and dried Mediterranean herbs. It's generally soft in tannin and high in alcohol, so on its own it's warm and generous. In blends, Syrah adds color and Mourvèdre adds structure.
Where It Grows
Paso Robles is the American capital of Rhône grapes, and Grenache thrives there and in Santa Barbara County, the Sierra Foothills and Lodi. Washington's Columbia Valley and Walla Walla Valley, Texas (especially the High Plains and Hill Country) and southern Oregon also grow it well.
What to Look For
- GSM blends, the classic Rhône-style red.
- Grenache rosé, pale and dry in the Provence style.
- Single-variety Grenache from old vines.
Where to Find Grenache
Wine regions on American Winery Guide where Grenache is grown or poured: