Grenache ( a.k.a. Garnacha )
Pronunciation: Gruh nahsh (French)(Gar NAH chah)
Where it's Grown: This grape is native of Spain and wandered its way into quite a few countries. First it went to France with the spread of the Catalan empire, but it also made its way to the Mediterranean island of Corsica, where it became known as Cannonau. In the colonization of the rest of the world, it became widely planted in Australia; in the last century has become popular in California. It is grown in many other places as well, but most of what you find on retail shelves comes from one of these countries.
What to expect:
This grape is driven by red fruit and spice
notes. In Spain, it generally offers strawberry;
strawberry jam; black pepper; red flowers, like
roses; medium to full body, and enough grip to
compete with all meats.
French versions are almost always blended with
other varieties from the Rhone, like Syrah,
Cinsault, Carignan, and Mourvedre.
These wines also offer the strawberry notes with a little less jamminess, until you get into high end wines. Rose is a strong player, as is cured meat and herb notes, like rosemary. New World wines that come from Australia and California are much richer and bolder in both texture and flavor. Expect jammed strawberries, black plums, fruit compote, black pepper, high alcohol contents, caramel, and baking spice from oak aging, and little herbal tones.
Across the board, Garnacha is very good with lamb, rosemary, tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil.
