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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, 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.   
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, most associated with the southern [[Rhône Valley]] and [[Roussillon]].   
* ''Grenache'' – the French name, strongly linked with the southern [[Rhône Valley]] and [[Roussillon]].   
* ''Alicante / Garnacha Tintorera'' – sometimes confused with Grenache but referring to a teinturier crossing (Grenache × Petit Bouschet) rather than a true mutation.   
* ''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 has made it suitable for regions with limited irrigation and stony or sandy soils.<ref>Gladstones, ''Viticulture and Environment'', Winetitles, 1992, p. 179.</ref>   
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 typically 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 during winemaking and ageing.<ref>Goode, ''The Science of Wine: From Vine to Glass'', University of California Press, 2014, p. 99.</ref>   
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 ==   
{{Main|Grenache Noir|Grenache Blanc|Grenache Gris}}   
 
Grenache exists in several colour mutations:
=== Grenache Noir === 
* ''Grenache Noir'' – the most widespread form, central to red blends and varietal wines.   
{{Main|Grenache Noir}}   
* ''Grenache Blanc'' – a white mutation used in Rhône white wines and some Spanish appellations.   
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 Gris'' – a grey-pink mutation, valued for rosés and fortified wines in Roussillon.   
 
=== Grenache Blanc === 
{{Main|Grenache Blanc}}  
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 === 
{{Main|Grenache Gris}}  
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 remains the largest producer, with Garnacha central to regions such as [[Campo de Borja]], [[Navarra]], and [[Priorat]].<ref>Ministerio de Agricultura, Pesca y Alimentación (MAPA), “La Garnacha”, mapa.gob.es. (Spanish original)</ref>   
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 [[Rhône]] and [[Roussillon]], particularly in appellations such as [[Châteauneuf-du-Pape]], [[Gigondas]], and [[Côtes du Rhône]]. It is also important in the production of fortified vins doux naturels.<ref>Johnson & Robinson, ''The World Atlas of Wine'', 8th ed., 2019.</ref>   
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 [[DOC]] and [[DOCG]] recognition.<ref>Consorzio Cannonau di Sardegna, www.consorziocannonau.it. (Italian original)</ref>   
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 [[Europe]], Grenache has flourished in [[Australia]], especially in [[McLaren Vale]] and the [[Barossa Valley]], where old-vine plantings are valued. In the [[United States]], it is significant in [[California]] and [[Washington]], often associated with the [[Rhône Rangers]] movement.<ref>Wine Australia, “Grenache in Australia”, www.wineaustralia.com.</ref>   
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 varieties such as [[Syrah]], [[Mourvèdre]], and [[Carignan]] to enhance [[structure]], [[colour]], and [[complexity]]. The [[GSM]] blend (Grenache–Syrah–Mourvèdre) is a hallmark of Rhône and Australian winemaking.
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 important in the production of rosés, particularly in [[Provence]], and in [[fortified wines]] such as those of Roussillon. Increasingly, varietal Grenache wines are produced in Spain, Australia, and California, showcasing both light, perfumed styles and [[fuller-bodied]], ageworthy expressions.<ref>Stevenson, ''The Sotheby’s Wine Encyclopedia'', DK, 2011, p. 181.</ref>   


== See also ==   
== See also ==   
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