Garnacha or Grenache grape

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Of Spanish or French, this strain is increasingly well accepted in Mexico. Currently, more winemakers are turning to this variety because it adapts well to hot climates. Depending on the soil, produced from light and fruity wines to others so intense in color that resemble black ink.

By Alvaro Gamboa

In Spain the call an Grenache (nothing to do with the typical Mexican appetizer) and in France it is called grenache, a word that sounds much more elegant and refined. Possibly one of the most widely planted red grapes in the world. This is u na variety with excellent quality potential: you can produce generic wines or wines of exceptional quality too. Not only is planted in the above countries, but its reputation has led to the New World countries like U.S., Australia and Mexico.

History and origins

Its origins are the subject of debate among countries. Several studies have been conducted and the results are as follows: it is said that this grape is native to Spain, especially in the region of Aragon. However, some French did not agree with this assertion and argue that this variety originated in their country. Other studies report that this strain arrived in Spain coming from Sardinia, an island belonging to Italy during the fourteenth century.

This strain was successfully propagated throughout Catalonia, the area of the Pyrenees and southern France. Some time later he was advancing popularity in other regions such as La Rioja , but where it has achieved greater success in Spain is in Priorat, Catalonia. In France, the regions of Laguedoc-Roussillon, Provence and the Rhone are excellent ambassadors of this variety. And of course we must not leave out Châteauneuf du Pape , a region where, despite being used as thirteen different varieties, Grenache is often the basis of the blends.

During the eighteenth century was that this strain was introduced in Australia, where he has been a resounding success. This is due to its high resistance to extreme weather, drought, high temperatures and also its ability to achieve high levels of concentration of sugar (this is for the use of fortified wines). Even became the most widely planted red variety in this country, until the shiraz variety ousted in the sixties.

Eventually planted in the United States around the nineteenth century. It was first used in the manufacture of mass-produced wines in California's Central Valley, where these wines found their ideal place. But it was not long before the wineries with a commitment to wines to realize the high quality you can get it. Much of the success of this variety is due to a producer organization in California called Rhone Rangers, who specialize in using typical varieties of this remarkable region of France.

In Mexico, the Spanish came through, I'm not quite sure of the dates, but I do know is that more and more producers are betting on this variety, which seems to be adapting well to the terroir or Mexican homeland.

Organoleptic characteristics

This variety requires a lot of attention during its period of growth and maturation, and also during winemaking and aging. This strain can produce enormous amounts of fruit, so that yields are due to reduce this to obtain better-quality-expression, either in the absence of water stress or pruning mature clusters that are not correctly. It blooms early and ripens late, so it requires much care.

During the wine grapes grenache grenache or should maintain a low temperature for the fermentation is slower, and retain the fruit flavors that possess excellent. With the help of a mashing process is extracted extended higher concentration of color and a touch more tannins.

The aromas of this grape are mainly concentrated in the spectrum of black fruit: blackberry, blueberry, currant. It is common also to be presented floral notes like violet bougainvillea. As secondary aromas are black pepper and nutmeg. Sometimes they are so fruity aromas can be perceived as having a slight sweetness.

Due to the diversity of terroirs where this variety is planted, there are different styles that are obtained from the same variety. From light wines, low color and low concentration of tannins to wines highly concentrated, so intense in color that resemble black ink, and a full body. These results are obtained by the terroir where plant and winemaking techniques.

Something that is key in the outcome of the fruit is the age of the vines. When the Grenache or Grenache has over 50 years and older is when you give us your best product, since their yields decline with age, the fruit has more character and you get a higher quality wine.

The grenache in the world and its producers

Spain

Some of the regions with plantations of Garnacha in Spain are: Priory, the most important and highest-quality, La Rioja, Montsant, Navarra, Campo de Borja , Somontano, La Mancha , Yecla Tarragona and Penedes.

Spanish producers recommend: Alvaro Palacios, Clos Mogador, Clos Martinet, Clos Erasmus, Bodegas Borsao and Blecua.

France

The Rhone region produces wines of excellent quality. In the southern part is found in Tavel which is world renowned for the quality of rosé wines are produced there. Where is more important is grenache in Chateauneuf du Pape, also within the Rhone. Gigondas is one of my favorite regions of the Rhone, whose wines are made ​​primarily of grenache.

Another area where we can find this strain is found to the south in Languedoc-Roussillon.

I recommend producers: Château de Beaucastel, Château La Nerthe , Château Rayas, Clos des Papes , Domaine du Vieux Telegraphe , E. Guigal, Domiane du CAYRON, Domaine de la Garrigue, Les Hauts de Montmirail, Chateau d'Aquéria, Cellier Dominicain.

Australia

This grape variety is used in mixtures called GSM (grenache, syrah, mouvedre) blends seeking resemble the wines of the Rhone.

Producers I recommend: D'Arenberg, Betts & Scholl, Tir Na N'OG, Torbreck, Hewitson.

U.S.

Producers I recommend: Bonny Doon, Tablas Creek (sister winery Châtaeu de Beaucastel, the first winery established in Châteauneuf du Pape, one of the cradles of this strain), Beckman, Qupe, Eaglepoint, McDowell Valley, Edmunds St. John. For fun wines at good prices, Roshambo Winery (the name means "rock, paper, scissors").

Mexico

A decade ago it was recognized that potential and began to be used mainly in blends of reds and rose wines also.

It is planted mainly in the Guadalupe Valley in Baja California, some of whose homelands remember those hot, arid regions of Spain.

Recommended Producers: Santo Tomas, Monte Xanic, Domecq, Adobe Guadalupe, Aboriginal, Three Valleys, Sinergi.

Alvaro Gamboa is certified sommelier Court of Masters Sommeliers The

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