The Grenache
Grape
A red grape variety known for its role in the wines of the Rhône Valley in France and as Garnacha in Spain. Grenache produces warm, spicy, and berry-flavored wines, ranging from light and fruity to deep and full-bodied, often with soft tannins and a high alcohol content. It is frequently used in blends to add body and sweetness.
Grenache
Grape History
The Grenache grape, also known as Garnacha in Spain, is one of the most widely planted red wine grape varieties in the world. It has a long history dating back to the 14th century when it is believed to have originated in the region of Aragon in northern Spain. Grenache has since spread to various wine regions across the globe and is now grown in countries such as France, Australia, the United States, and Italy.
One of the interesting facts about Grenache is its versatility. It can be used to produce a wide range of wine styles, from light and fruity to rich and full-bodied. Grenache is often blended with other grape varieties such as Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Cinsault to create popular blends like Châteauneuf-du-Pape from the Rhône Valley in France. In Spain, Garnacha is used to produce world-renowned wines such as Priorat and Rioja.
Grenache thrives in warm, dry climates, and is particularly well-suited to regions with hot summers and mild winters. It is known for its ability to produce high sugar levels, which can result in wines with rich, ripe fruit flavors and high alcohol content.
In terms of wine styles, Grenache is commonly used to produce both red and rosé wines. In red wines, Grenache can have notes of red and black fruits, spices, and herbs, with a smooth and velvety texture. Rosé wines made from Grenache are known for their vibrant color and bright fruit flavors.
As for the future of Grenache, the grape variety has been gaining popularity in recent years as consumers seek out more unique and interesting wine options. With its adaptable nature and ability to thrive in a variety of terroirs, Grenache is likely to continue to be a prominent player in the world of wine for years to come.
Overall, Grenache is a grape variety with a rich history, versatile character, and promising future in the world of wine. Its ability to produce high-quality wines across a range of styles and regions makes it a valuable and enduring player in the global wine industry.
Introduction
Hello, my name is Franklin Laurel - Welcome!
I started drinking wine in 1992 when I was in my early twenties and recently married. Like many other young Southern Californians, it started out with White Zinfandel. As we were a couple of young DINKs just beginning life together, and on a budget, our go-to-wine was Sutter Home White Zinfandel, which tasted a lot like wine coolers and probably cost at the time $2.49. If we really were going to splurge, we would step it up and buy Beringer White Zinfandel for $2.99. Those were the days....
After a little time, we decided to get fancy. We stepped up our game and bought some wonderful 2-Buck Chuck from Trader Joe's. The Charles Shaw (Trader Joe's Exclusive Label) wine, also known as 2-Buck-Chuck extended our pallet into Reds for only $1.99 a bottle. Over the years we continued to grow in our understanding of wine (finally ran into some good wine) and we slowly kept buying better and better bottles.
Our first wine club purchase was from Kenwood's Vineyards, in Kenwood, California located in Sonoma Valley, right next to the famous Napa Valley. I began to learn about tobacco leather, and earthiness, and lots of other strange terminology when tasting their signature Zinfandels (of the red variety). So that is how it all began.
Fast forward a couple decades, and we have been members of five different wine clubs, and now have a passion for California's red wines. My favorite by far is Cabernet Sauvignon, while my wife fancies a good Syrah, Malbec, or Merlot - but she also loves the smell of a wine barrel room, which is all about the notes of Cabernet Sauvignon.
As I come across great wine resources and useful information that I find in planning my own wine trips, I will share here for anyone that might stumble across my humble website.
Cheers! - Franklin Laurel