Six Great Grenache Wines From Around The Globe

Grenache is one of the most widely planted noble grapes, with the ability to achieve greatness in a variety of climates and terroirs.  It is a variety of distinctions, producing wines of complexity and character with the ability to age.  Grenache is unique in that it produces fine and rare wines for collectors as well as easy everyday drinking wines that are fresh and fruity.

The French call it Grenache and Spain calls it Garnacha, however you say it, it is a grape variety that appeals to a wide audience.  Grenache thrives in Southern France and Northern Spain where it is most widely planted.  It is the heart of Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines and the soul of Priorat.  On the island of Sardinia, Grenache is also known as Cannonau.  Often used as a blending grape, Grenache has a powerful expression all its own.  Exhibiting its versatility, Grenache has a variety of profiles with rosés, reds, and fortified wines.

Grenache is a charming grape with a flavor profile that exhibits big fruit qualities, like strawberries, raspberries, black cherries, cinnamon, coffee and spice.  It is a juicy varietal with soft tannins and medium acidity, making it an extremely food-friendly wine.

Six Great Grenache Wines To Drink Now

In the past, Grenache was known as the poor man’s Pinot, but today it is capable of rivaling some of the best Pinot Noirs, and oftentimes at a fraction of the cost. These six Grenaches from around the globe, are the perfect spring wines that are affordable and ideal for entertaining, picnics and barbecues.

ITALY

ARGIOLAS Costera 2019 ($18)

Located on the island of Sardinia, Argiolas is a leading estate producing wines from native varieties. The Costera, a name referring to hills, is made from Cannonau, the local name for Grenache, which is the workhorse red grape of Sardinia.

This Cannonau is a unique expression of Grenache from Sardinia.  Deep and intense in color, there are loads of dark berry aromas on the nose.  On the palate, it is supple and textured with notes of ripe red and black fruits along with herbs and exotic spices.  The finish is soft and silky.

FRANCE

SAINT COSME Little James’ Basket Press Rouge NV ($16)

Château de Saint Cosme is the leading estate of Gigondas and produces the appellation’s benchmark wines. Made in a unique solera style, Little James Basket Press is the ideal wine for discovering the typicity of Grenache from the southern Rhône. The name “Little James” refers to winery owner Louis Barruol’s young son, who is depicted on the front label welcoming visitors to the estate.

Little James is a really special multi-vintage Grenache that is produced in a solera style that starts with the 1999 vintage.  There is a nice richness to the wines with notes of black cherries, peppers, herbs and spice.  Fine-grained tannins and nice acidity leave a memorable finish.

CHÂTEAU DE ROUANNE Vinsobres 2018 ($30)

Louis Barruol, owner and winemaker of Château de Saint Cosme, purchased Château de Rouanne in May of 2019 when he saw a lot of potential in the property and found that it reminded him of Saint Cosme. Located in the northern part of the southern Rhône, this historic estate with a 12th-century medieval castle lies on the site of an ancient Gallo-Roman villa (just like Saint Cosme).

A blend of Grenache, Syrah & Mourvèdre, the wine has a perfumed nose of black cherries, wild berries and violets.  A perfect balance of fruit, acidity and tannins on the palate with nice minerality on the finish.  A wine with great personality.

SPAIN

BODEGAS ALTO MONCAYO Veraton 2017 ($32)

Bodegas Alto Moncayo was founded in 2002 with the goal to produce Garnacha wines of the highest quality. The winery’s very strict grape selection combined with the characteristics of the soil, microclimate, and the age of the vines, all contribute to Alto Moncayo’s unique expression of Spanish Garnacha.

This is an exceptional Garnacha that is produced from Old Vine Garnacha from vines that are 30 – 50 years old.  Loads of blueberry, blackberry and cocoa on the palate.  Rich and generous on the palate with silky tannins that make it approachable now.

BODEGAS BORSAO Tres Picos 2018 ($18)

From the D.O. of Campo de Borja, Bodegas Borsao’s mission is to produce the best premium wines in this region called the “Empire of Garnacha.” With mountain vineyards ranging in age from 35 – 60 years and stony soils with clay and limestone, the region is historically and geographically conducive to growing the grape.

The Tres Picos has a full and round palate that is bursting with bright fruit.  Notes of blackberry, cassis, vanilla and cocoa fill the mouth.  There is a full and lush mouthfeel with nice smooth tannins.

AUSTRALIA

YALUMBA Samuel’s Collection Barossa Bush Vine Grenache 2018 ($21)

The Samuel’s Collection honors Yalumba’s founder Samuel Smith and represents his spirit of independence and conviction to invest in the land and make great wines.

The grapes for this wine are from the Barossa Valley, the expresses a deep sense of place.  Rich and concentrated on the palate, it has intense fruit flavors cherries, plum and dried berries.  Nice complexity and balance come through on the wine.