Grenache

Bunch of Grenache grapes hanging on tree
A glass of Grenache

The grandfather of Australian wine

While Shiraz is Australia’s most famous grape, it is Grenache that started the Australian red winemaking ball rolling. Introduced in 1832 by wine-making pioneer, James Busby, Grenache’s drought-tolerant qualities quickly found a suitable home in South Australia’s Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale.

A recent revival, mainly due to new Grenache, Shiraz, Mouvedre (GSM) blends, has placed Grenache firmly back on our palates.

A blended family

While Grenache performs well on its own, it is when it is blended that it truly sings. Generally lacking the vital tannin and acid, blending allows Grenache wines to develop deeper and more concentrated flavour:

  • The iconic Chateauneuf-du-Pape wines of southern France, are arguably the best known blends, where up to 16 varieties are added. Here, schist and granite soils provide perfect long-season growing conditions for Grenache and it stands up to the famously powerful, dry Mistral winds of Provence with ease.
  • The wines of Priorat in north-east Spain (where Grenache takes its Spanish name, Garnacha) are also popular. This region’s older vines with their rich phenolics bring darker colour and intense flavours.
  • Australian blends are now gaining momentum. Grenache’s fantastic bright red colour and lifted berry flavours are matched beautifully with the spice of Shiraz and elegance and structure of Mourvedre.

Pure, sweet opulence

Did you know Grenache forms the backbone of most Australian fortified wines? With its naturally high sugar levels Grenache is used extensively for “port” style wine. Its pale skins and low acidity also enable production of excellent rosés, some of the best examples coming from the Rhone Valley and the Loire’s Anjou region in central France.

This grape’s plush red fruit produces jam flavours of raspberry, strawberries and cherries, with added nuances of fresh herbs, spice and smallgoods - a delightful mix that is sure to capture and hold your attention.

What to drink it with?

Grenache’s balance between full flavours and slight fruity sweetness complements an array of cuisine, including those hard-to-match foods such as spicy Indian, Thai and Chinese.

Grenache section of a Dan Murphy's store

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