Everything About Garnacha Grape

Spelling Icon "gar-NAH-cha"
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Description Icon Garnacha Description

Origin: Aragón, Spain
History: Garnacha, known as Grenache in France, is believed to have originated in the Aragón region of northern Spain. It spread to other parts of Spain, including Catalonia and Navarra, and across the Pyrenees to southern France, particularly Languedoc-Roussillon and the Rhône Valley. The grape's adaptability led to its cultivation in various regions worldwide, including Sardinia (as Cannonau), Australia, and California. Historically, Garnacha has been valued for its ability to produce high yields and thrive in hot, dry climates. In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in producing high-quality, old-vine Garnacha wines, particularly in Spain and France.
Appearance: Medium-sized, thin-skinned berries with a deep purple hue, forming loose clusters.
Growing Traits: Garnacha is a vigorous and hardy vine, well-suited to hot, dry conditions. It ripens late, requiring a long growing season to reach full maturity. The grape's thin skin makes it susceptible to diseases like downy mildew and botrytis bunch rot, necessitating careful vineyard management. Garnacha's adaptability allows it to thrive in a variety of soil types, though it particularly excels in well-drained, stony soils.
Food Pairing Icon Food Pairing
Garnacha's rich fruit flavors and balanced structure make it a versatile companion for a variety of dishes. It pairs well with grilled meats, stews, and roasted vegetables. The wine's moderate tannins and acidity complement dishes featuring Mediterranean herbs, such as rosemary and thyme. Garnacha also pairs nicely with aged cheeses and charcuterie. In its rosé form, it complements lighter fare, including seafood and salads.
Body
Sweetness
Tannin
Acidity
Alcohol
Medium to full-bodied with a rich and robust character, offering a smooth and velvety texture. Typically dry, though some styles, such as fortified or late-harvest wines, can exhibit sweetness. Medium tannin levels, providing structure without overwhelming the palate. Medium acidity, contributing to its balance and food-pairing versatility. Moderate to high alcohol content, typically ranging between 13.5% and 16%, reflecting its propensity to develop high sugar levels.
Red Fruits Taste Note Red Fruits
Plum Taste Note Plum
Smoke Taste Note Smoke
Leather Taste Note Leather
Dried Herbs Taste Note Dried Herbs
Blood Orange Taste Note Blood Orange
Garnacha wines are characterized by ripe red fruit flavors, such as stewed strawberry and grilled plum, complemented by notes of leather, dried herbs, and blood orange. The wines often exhibit a subtle spiciness and earthy undertones. The grape's tendency to develop high sugar levels can result in wines with elevated alcohol content, contributing to a warm, full-bodied mouthfeel.
Regions
[object Object] Region
Spain
•Aragón (Campo de Borja, Calatayud, Cariñena)
•Catalonia (Priorat, Montsant)
•Navarra
•Rioja
[object Object] Region
France
•Rhône Valley (Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas)
•Languedoc-Roussillon
•Provence
[object Object] Region
Italy
•Sardinia (as Cannonau)
[object Object] Region
Australia
•Barossa Valley
•McLaren Vale
[object Object] Region
United States
•California (Central Coast, Paso Robles)
Notable Wines and Producers
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
•Château de Beaucastel
•Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe
Priorat
•Alvaro Palacios
•Clos Mogador
Cannonau di Sardegna
•Sella & Mosca
•Cantina Sociale di Dorgali

Garnacha FAQ

Aragón, Spain

Garnacha has a body level of 4 out of 5. Which means that Garnacha is Moderate to Full bodied.

Garnacha has a dryness level of 1 out of 5. Which means that Garnacha is Dry.

Aragón, Spain

Garnacha is grown in Spain (Aragón (Campo de Borja, Calatayud, Cariñena), Catalonia (Priorat, Montsant), Navarra, Rioja)France (Rhône Valley (Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas), Languedoc-Roussillon, Provence)Italy (Sardinia (as Cannonau))Australia (Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale)United States (California (Central Coast, Paso Robles)).

Garnacha wines are characterized by ripe red fruit flavors, such as stewed strawberry and grilled plum, complemented by notes of leather, dried herbs, and blood orange. The wines often exhibit a subtle spiciness and earthy undertones. The grape's tendency to develop high sugar levels can result in wines with elevated alcohol content, contributing to a warm, full-bodied mouthfeel.

Garnacha's rich fruit flavors and balanced structure make it a versatile companion for a variety of dishes. It pairs well with grilled meats, stews, and roasted vegetables. The wine's moderate tannins and acidity complement dishes featuring Mediterranean herbs, such as rosemary and thyme. Garnacha also pairs nicely with aged cheeses and charcuterie. In its rosé form, it complements lighter fare, including seafood and salads.

Garnacha wines are characterized by ripe red fruit flavors, such as stewed strawberry and grilled plum, complemented by notes of leather, dried herbs, and blood orange. The wines often exhibit a subtle spiciness and earthy undertones. The grape's tendency to develop high sugar levels can result in wines with elevated alcohol content, contributing to a warm, full-bodied mouthfeel.

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