Grenache (known in Spain as Garnacha) is one of the “surprise heroes” of the red wine world: for a long time it was underrated or even looked down upon, while quietly forming the backbone of two legendary wine regions—Châteauneuf-du-Pape in France and Priorat in Spain.
Interestingly, although today most people know it by its French name, Grenache, Spain is considered the grape’s most likely birthplace. From there, it spread to France, Italy (where it is called Cannonau in Sardinia), and eventually across the globe.
Grape variety and wine characteristics
Grenache is a late-ripening variety that thrives in warm climates and sunny, dry regions. Its thick trunk and upward growth make it ideal for bush vine training. It is highly drought-resistant—an especially valuable trait in the era of climate change.
Its drawbacks: it is prone to coulure (poor fruit set) and sensitive to spring frosts. Yet, it is long-lived, and many old vines still produce outstanding quality wines today.
Typical style:
- Often high in alcohol
- Fruity, ripe, almost sweet in character
- Moderate tannins
- Spicy, lush aromatics
Flavor profile often includes red fruits (strawberry, raspberry), dried plum, white pepper, anise, herbs, and occasionally dark chocolate and caramel.
Origins, names, and colors – why is Grenache so controversial?
Few grape varieties spark as many questions as Grenache:
- Grenache or Garnacha? – Spanish origin is more likely, as Spain shows the widest genetic diversity. All three color mutations (black, white, grey), as well as the rare Garnacha Peluda (“hairy leafed”), can be found there.
- Spanish or Italian? – On Sardinia, Cannonau is considered native, but historically it may have arrived from Spain during the Aragonese conquests.
- One grape or many? – While Noir, Blanc, Gris, and Peluda differ in color and leaf structure, genetic research shows they are all mutations of the same variety.
This diversity, together with the confusion over names, contributed to Grenache long remaining in the background, often appearing as an “anonymous blending grape” in Rioja, Provence rosé, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, or Cannonau labels.
The paradox of Grenache – expansion and decline
By the end of the 20th century, Grenache was one of the most widely planted red grape varieties worldwide. Around 2000, it ranked second globally. Since then, however, plantings have dropped drastically—by 2016 it had fallen to seventh place, surpassed by Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Tempranillo, Chardonnay, and Syrah.
The main reasons: EU vine-pull subsidies and declining wine consumption in France and Spain. For example:
- Spain lost 44% of its Garnacha vineyards between 2000–2016
- France saw an 18% decline over the same period
Yet, as vineyards shrink, Grenache’s reputation keeps rising thanks to its role in top-tier wines. Today it is seen as a “new star” of the wine world—capable of producing both simple, everyday wines and world-class icons.
Styles and regions worldwide
Grenache is known in several forms:
- Grenache Noir / Garnacha Tinta – the classic red
- Grenache Blanc / Garnacha Blanca – rich, full-bodied white
- Grenache Gris / Garnacha Roja – pink-skinned, often used in rosé
- Garnacha Peluda – rare, “hairy-leaved” variant
Key regions:
- France (Southern Rhône, Roussillon, Provence, Languedoc) – Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas, rosé, fortified sweet wines
- Spain (Aragón, Navarra, Rioja Oriental, Priorat, La Mancha) – greatest genetic diversity, full stylistic range
- Italy (Sardinia – Cannonau) – often made as varietal wines, including sweet styles
- New World (Australia, USA, South Africa, China) – increasing numbers of single-varietal Grenache and GSM blends
Gastronomic pairings
Grenache wines pair beautifully with bold, flavorful dishes:
- Roast lamb, grilled sausages, Moroccan tagine
- Mediterranean vegetables: eggplant, peppers, tomato
- Hearty lentil or mushroom stews
- Aged cheeses: Manchego, Pecorino, Comté
As rosé: perfect for fresh summer dishes.
As Grenache Blanc: excellent with grilled white meats, asparagus, and soft cheeses.
Our personal favorites when it comes to Grenache
- Laroche Syrah/Grenache de La Chevaliére 2018 (France)
- Bon Jovi & Gerard Bertrand: Hampton Water Rosé 2023 (Languedoc, France)
