Pronounced – gren-ash
Widely grown in Spain, most likely the place of origin, and the Rhone Valley in France where it produces many excellent blends with shiraz. In the 1960's and early 70's there were more than 7000ha planted and this has decreased to approximately two thirds this level. Grenache is a variety that has been around in winemaking for a long time and produces rosè, dry reds and tawny ports and used in many blends but rarely receives any credit on the label.
Grenache is a variety that needs to be well balanced in the vineyard and will produce markedly different wines from district to district or even within a district. Nose and mouth feel will vary markedly depending on the style. Fruity rosè, light reds showing strawberry and raspberry, moderately tannic wines with well integrated oak notes and spice to quite large tannic wines of chocolate, tar, licorice and sweet fruits.
