Grenache: Difference between revisions
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== Background and Origins == | == Background and Origins == | ||
The precise origins of Grenache have long been debated, but ampelographic and genetic evidence strongly suggests a birthplace in [[Aragón]], in north-eastern Spain, where the grape is known as Garnacha.<ref>González Hernández, ''Garnacha: La cepa olvidada'', Ministerio de Agricultura, 2010, p. 15. (Spanish original)</ref> From there | The precise origins of Grenache have long been debated, but ampelographic and genetic evidence strongly suggests a birthplace in [[Aragón]], in north-eastern Spain, where the grape is known as Garnacha.<ref>González Hernández, ''Garnacha: La cepa olvidada'', Ministerio de Agricultura, 2010, p. 15. (Spanish original)</ref> From there it spread southwards through the Iberian Peninsula and northwards into southern France during the Middle Ages, carried by the political and trade influence of the Crown of Aragon. | ||
In [[Sardinia]], the grape is called Cannonau and is often considered indigenous, although DNA research indicates introduction from Spain.<ref>Consorzio Cannonau di Sardegna, “Il vitigno Cannonau: origine e caratteristiche”, www.consorziocannonau.it. (Italian original)</ref> By the 18th and 19th centuries, Grenache was firmly established across the Mediterranean and later became widely planted in Australia, California, and South Africa.<ref>Robinson (ed.), ''The Oxford Companion to Wine'', Oxford University Press, 2015, p. 329.</ref> | In [[Sardinia]], the grape is called Cannonau and is often considered indigenous, although DNA research indicates introduction from Spain.<ref>Consorzio Cannonau di Sardegna, “Il vitigno Cannonau: origine e caratteristiche”, www.consorziocannonau.it. (Italian original)</ref> By the 18th and 19th centuries, Grenache was firmly established across the Mediterranean and later became widely planted in Australia, California, and South Africa.<ref>Robinson (ed.), ''The Oxford Companion to Wine'', Oxford University Press, 2015, p. 329.</ref> | ||
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== Local Names and Identities == | == Local Names and Identities == | ||
Grenache is known by several local names, reflecting its spread and cultural significance: | Grenache is known by several local names, reflecting its spread and cultural significance: | ||
* ''Garnacha''– the Spanish name, dominant in Aragón, Navarra, Rioja, and Priorat. | * ''Garnacha'' – the Spanish name, dominant in Aragón, Navarra, Rioja, and Priorat. | ||
* ''Cannonau'' – the Sardinian identity, central to the island’s DOC and DOCG wines. | * ''Cannonau'' – the Sardinian identity, central to the island’s DOC and DOCG wines. | ||
* ''Grenache'' – the French name, | * ''Grenache'' – the French name, strongly linked with the southern [[Rhône Valley]] and [[Roussillon]]. | ||
* ''Alicante / Garnacha Tintorera'' – sometimes confused with Grenache but | * ''Alicante / Garnacha Tintorera'' – sometimes confused with Grenache, but in fact a teinturier crossing (Grenache × Petit Bouschet). | ||
== Viticultural Characteristics == | == Viticultural Characteristics == | ||
Grenache is a vigorous, late-ripening [[vine]] that thrives in hot, dry conditions. Its drought resistance | Grenache is a vigorous, late-ripening [[vine]] that thrives in hot, dry conditions. Its strong drought resistance makes it suitable for regions with limited irrigation and stony or sandy soils.<ref>Gladstones, ''Viticulture and Environment'', Winetitles, 1992, p. 179.</ref> | ||
The grape | The grape produces large, thin-skinned berries. Wines often show elevated [[alcohol]], moderate [[acidity]], and relatively soft [[tannins]], with [[flavours]] of red berries, plum, herbs, and spice. Its susceptibility to [[oxidation]] requires careful handling in the winery.<ref>Goode, ''The Science of Wine: From Vine to Glass'', University of California Press, 2014, p. 99.</ref> | ||
== Varieties == | == Varieties == | ||
=== Grenache Noir === | === Grenache Noir === | ||
{{Main|Grenache Noir}} | {{Main|Grenache Noir}} | ||
Grenache Noir (Spanish: '''Garnacha Tinta'''; Sardinian: '''Cannonau''') is the red-berried form and the most widely planted member of the Grenache family. It is | Grenache Noir (Spanish: '''Garnacha Tinta'''; Sardinian: '''Cannonau''') is the red-berried form and the most widely planted member of the Grenache family. It is the backbone of southern Rhône blends such as [[Châteauneuf-du-Pape]] and [[Côtes du Rhône]], as well as fortified [[vins doux naturels]] in Roussillon. In Spain it is central to Aragón and Priorat, while in Sardinia it appears as Cannonau. Old-vine Grenache Noir is also significant in South Australia and California.<ref>Johnson & Robinson, ''The World Atlas of Wine'', 8th ed., 2019.</ref> | ||
=== Grenache Blanc === | === Grenache Blanc === | ||
{{Main|Grenache Blanc}} | {{Main|Grenache Blanc}} | ||
Grenache Blanc (Spanish: '''Garnacha Blanca''') is a white | Grenache Blanc (Spanish: '''Garnacha Blanca''') is a white mutation, found mainly in the southern Rhône, Roussillon, and Catalonia (notably Terra Alta). It produces full-bodied whites with moderate acidity, often blended with [[Roussanne]] and [[Marsanne]].<ref>Robinson (ed.), ''The Oxford Companion to Wine'', 2015.</ref> | ||
=== Grenache Gris === | === Grenache Gris === | ||
{{Main|Grenache Gris}} | {{Main|Grenache Gris}} | ||
Grenache Gris is the grey- | Grenache Gris is the grey-pink mutation, grown in limited quantities in Roussillon and Languedoc. It contributes body and phenolic grip to white and rosé blends, while rare varietal bottlings highlight its distinctive style.<ref>Johnson & Robinson, ''The World Atlas of Wine'', 8th ed., 2019.</ref> | ||
== Global Distribution == | == Global Distribution == | ||
Spain | Spain is the largest producer of Garnacha, especially in [[Campo de Borja]], [[Navarra]], and [[Priorat]].<ref>Ministerio de Agricultura, Pesca y Alimentación (MAPA), “La Garnacha”, mapa.gob.es. (Spanish original)</ref> | ||
In France, Grenache Noir dominates the southern | In France, Grenache Noir dominates the southern Rhône and Roussillon, where it is key in both red blends and fortified wines.<ref>Robinson (ed.), ''The Oxford Companion to Wine'', 2015.</ref> | ||
In Italy, Cannonau is the flagship grape of [[Sardinia]], with | In Italy, Cannonau is the flagship grape of [[Sardinia]], with recognised DOC and DOCG wines.<ref>Consorzio Cannonau di Sardegna, www.consorziocannonau.it. (Italian original)</ref> | ||
Beyond | Beyond Europe, Grenache is well established in [[Australia]] (notably McLaren Vale and the [[Barossa Valley]]) and in the [[United States]], where it is cultivated in California and Washington by Rhône-style producers.<ref>Wine Australia, “Grenache in Australia”, www.wineaustralia.com.</ref> | ||
== Role in Winemaking == | == Role in Winemaking == | ||
Grenache is frequently blended with | Grenache is frequently blended with [[Syrah]], [[Mourvèdre]], and [[Carignan]] to enhance structure, colour, and complexity, forming the classic [[GSM]] blend. It is also widely used in rosés, particularly in [[Provence]], and in fortified wines such as those of Roussillon. Increasingly, varietal Grenache wines are produced in Spain, Australia, and California, ranging from light, perfumed reds to fuller-bodied, ageworthy examples.<ref>Stevenson, ''The Sotheby’s Wine Encyclopedia'', DK, 2011, p. 181.</ref> | ||
It is also | |||
== See also == | == See also == | ||