Grenache
Grenache is one of the most widely planted black grapes in the world, known for producing full-bodied, highly alcoholic wines that are low in acid, tannin and colour. Its home is in Southern France, but it is also widely planted in Spain, where it is known as Garnacha, and Australia, where it accounts for the “G” in their GSM blends. In Sardinia, it is known by the name Cannonau.
To blends like Chateauneuf du Pape or other Southern French wines, Grenache adds sweet red fruit flavours (raspberry and blueberry) with a subtle, white pepper note. With age, it can develop leather and tar aromas.
Stylistically, Grenache can be made into red or rose wines, and because of its ability to ripen with high sugar levels it can also produce fabulous and age worthy dessert and fortified wines.