What is Grenache?
Grenache (Garnacha in Spain, Cannonau in Sardinia) is one of the most widely planted red grapes in the world. It thrives in heat and drought, which is why it dominates the southern Rhône, southern Spain, and Sardinia. Old-vine Grenache, from vines 60, 80, or even 100+ years old, produces wines of real concentration and complexity.
What does it taste like?
Grenache is naturally high in alcohol and low in tannin. The fruit is generous and warm: strawberry, raspberry, red cherry, dried herbs (garrigue), and sometimes a characteristic white pepper note. In simple versions it can feel jammy. In great examples from Châteauneuf-du-Pape or Priorat, old vines concentrate the fruit and add silky texture and earthy depth.
Key flavours: strawberry, raspberry, dried herbs, white pepper, anise, orange zest
The GSM blend
In the southern Rhône, Grenache is rarely alone. The classic combination is GSM: Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre. Grenache provides body and fruit, Syrah adds structure and peppery complexity, Mourvèdre contributes earth and longevity. This blend appears across Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas, Vacqueyras, and Côtes du Rhône.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
The most famous Grenache-based wine. The appellation is famous for its galets roulés, large rounded stones that retain daytime heat and radiate it at night, helping fully ripen the grapes. Château Rayas, made from 100% old-vine Grenache, is one of the world's most sought-after wines.
Priorat
In the slate-soiled hills of Catalonia, old-vine Grenache and Carignan produce some of Spain's most intense wines. Álvaro Palacios's L'Ermita, from centenarian Grenache vines, costs hundreds of euros per bottle.
Grenache rosé
Grenache's generous fruit and pale colour make it the base of great Provence rosé. The best examples, from Bandol or Côtes de Provence, are bone dry, pale salmon, and built for the table.
