If you try one grape this fall (or, re-try, if you’re already in the know), it’s gotta be Garnacha. And we’ve got our reasons …
- It’s fun to say. Whatever you call it – Garnacha (Spain!), Grenache (France!), Cannonau (Italy!) … it just rolls off your tongue.
- It’s kind of a big deal. Grenache stars in France’s world-famous (and often cost-prohibitive) Châteauneuf-du-Pape – Garnacha plays the key role in pricey Priorat. It’s also behind many cult-status California reds.
- Something the Burgundians would rather forget. Back in the 17th and 18th centuries, winemakers in France’s ultra-prestigious Burgundy region reportedly (covertly) added Garnacha to their much lighter Pinot Noir wines to give them more oomph.
- You may live longer. Seriously. Sunny Sardinia, where they grow (and drink quite a bit of) Cannonau, is home to an inordinately high ratio of centenarians.
- It’s actually from Spain But it’s planted heavily across the world (China has over 12,000 hectares!) and is the second-most planted red variety in France, after Merlot. And, Garnacha helped launch The Rhône Ranger Movement in California (a Renaissance of Rhône-style wines, led by star winemaker Randall Grahm).
Spanish it may be, but Garnacha is planted heavily across the world (China has over 12,000 hectares!) and is the second-most planted red variety in France, after Merlot. And, Garnacha helped launch The Rhône Ranger Movement in California (a Renaissance of Rhône-style wines, led by star winemaker Randall Grahm).
We love a good Garnacha – and, bonus reason – you have access to this beauty from Master of Wine, Norrel Robertson.
¡Salud!