Grenache
Red wine grape variety
Also known as Garnacha (Spain), Cannonau (Sardinia), Garnatxa (Catalonia)
Grenache is a red wine grape with signature aromas of garrigue, strawberry, white pepper. Structure: Medium(+) body, Medium acidity, Medium tannin, High alcohol. Often confused with Tempranillo and Syrah.
Recognition cues
First checks
- Check for elevated alcohol with relatively soft tannin.
- Look for red-fruit spectrum and white-pepper spice rather than deep pyrazine notes.
Confidence signals
- High alcohol with red fruit
- White-pepper and herbal finish
Aromas
Signature
Common
Occasional
Commonly confused with
Classic anchors
- Classic regions: Southern Rhone · Priorat · Calatayud · McLaren Vale
- Classic styles: Alcohol-rich juicy red blend component · Old-vine Mediterranean varietal red
Common questions
Is Grenache a red or white grape variety?
Grenache is a red wine grape variety.
What does Grenache smell and taste like?
Signature aromas of Grenache include garrigue, strawberry and white pepper. Structural profile: Medium(+) body, Medium acidity, Medium tannin, High alcohol.
What blind-tasting cues distinguish Grenache?
Documented tells for Grenache: Check for elevated alcohol with relatively soft tannin. and Look for red-fruit spectrum and white-pepper spice rather than deep pyrazine notes..
What is Grenache most often confused with in blind tasting?
Grenache is most commonly confused with Tempranillo, Syrah and Sangiovese. Resolve the call with structure and signature aromas.
Where is Grenache grown?
Classic regions for Grenache include Southern Rhone, Priorat, Calatayud and McLaren Vale.