Grapes of Grenache

By ChefErin Sep 03, 2010

Grenache on its own is not a common wine for most Americans. It’s typically used in French Rhône wines, the most famous of which - Chateauneuf-du-Pape - you may have heard of. It’s also used in a variety of dry rosés. When I was asked to come up with a recipe pairing for a Grenache by a small wine maker it took some experimentation and education on my part because it was so different from other red wines I had tried.

In general, Grenache has some juicy cherry flavor but I wouldn’t describe it as Bing cherry. The flavor seems tighter than that, more like "pie" cherries, a little tart and sour. Grenache is also high in alcohol and low in acidity which makes it easy-drinking but not the kind of wine you’d store for a long time unless it was blended with a more tannic or acidic varieties. Sounds perfect for a crisp, chilled summery rosé though, doesn’t it?

It’s actually the leading grape of the southern Rhône wine region in France. Rhône-style wines use up to 13 grape varieties blended to create one wine. Grenache ranks right up there in importance. It’s also a common grape in Spanish wines. And, it’s been turning up more and more in US wines. That’s because it grows well in hot dry climates like the California’s San Juoquin Valley and Washington State’s Columbia Valley. There’s even a group of US winemakers calling themselves the Rhône Rangers who champion American Rhône-style wines.

Next time you are buying a rosé or a red Rhône-style blend, check the label to see if Grenache is listed. Then try it pairing it with Lavender and Anise Crusted Rack of Lamb.

What to look for: Dry Rosés, Spanish red wines, Rhône-style red blends.

Price: You can find rosés that include Grenache starting as low as $7 per bottle like Columbia Crest’s Two Vines Vineyard 10 Rosé. Spanish Garnacha (Grenache) and Rioja blends start around $11 per bottle. Rhône wine, and Rhône-style blends are typically more expensive running about $20 per bottle and up.

What to eat it with: Think sunny, Mediterranean from Spain to Southern France - fresh herbs like rosemary and lavender, ripe tomatoes, tangy goat cheese or manchego, salami, sausages, cured ham, lamb, rustic dishes like paella, stew or cassoulet, and spicy food.

Have you tried a wine that was 100% Grenache or a blend that included it? Was it rose or red? What did you think?

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Comments

by amanda-tv | Houston, TX

Nov 23, 2010

Uhmm sounds like I need to try it !!! I guess I also will be searching for the "B*tch" !!!

by darnold14 | Quinlan, TX

Nov 11, 2010

This is amazing I love it

by hypnicjerk | Seattle, WA

Oct 16, 2010

I never thought I'd search out a "B*tch!" But now I am (the 100% Grenache bottle of wine that is). And for $12?!? I'm in!

by ChefErin | SEATTLE, WA

Oct 14, 2010

Gin257 - Great recommendation. "B*tch" is 100% grenache out of South Australia, nice strawberry/cherry, jammy fruit flavor and reasonably priced. Besides the label will make your girlfriends laugh! Thanks ~ Chef Erin

by Bd20054 | Elkton, VA

Oct 06, 2010

I wouldn't mind trying this.

by stkurtz | Uniontown, OH

Sep 23, 2010

Just bought a Granache today. Can't wait to try it. I love trying new wines.

by Gin257 | LONG BEACH, NY

Sep 20, 2010

My personal favorite granache is called "B*tch." Its priced well at @ $12 and tastes very nice!!

by pbj7758 | Kimball, MI

Sep 07, 2010

dont think you can ever know all there is to know about wine..would like to do some wine tasting when we get into new home someday grow maybe my own grapes i hear there are some nice wines in michigan

by jlindseyc | LEXINGTON, KY

Sep 07, 2010

I've had a Granache-Shiraz blend from Rosemount that I totaly loved.

by GINGER8051 | MARQUETTE, MI

Sep 03, 2010

I love cooking with wine and pairing foods with wine. It is fun and challenging. It is also fun to have wine tastings with food with a group of people and see what each person thinks of each wine with each type of food. It makes for a great evening together.