The Grenache Wine

Grenache grapes are likely to be produced in warmer regions. The wine finds its roots in Spain and was usually grown in the southern europe in parts of France and Italy. Over the time, it gained popularity and is now grown in many parts of the world. In Australia, Grenache was introduced by James Busby along with some other cutting in the mid of 19th century. Some of the best Grenache wines come from Australia’s renowned wine growing regions- McLaren Vale and Barossa Valley. 

Grenache is a dark colour wine with purple undertones. It is generally characterised by lovely aromas of spice, red plum, cherry elixir, raspberry and over a time may also develop meaty notes. Due to the presence of high alcohol contents, it has a medium-bodied palate.  

Grenache was introduced in Australia because of its robust qualities and was mainly used for Fortified wines. Though it was first grown in the Hunter Valley, Christopher Rawson Penfold later brought the cutting to South Australia where the warm climate proved to be best suitable for Grenache. In the earlier days, Grenache became a popular choice with 80% of Australian winemaking industry producing it. However, towards the end of 1970’s it saw a major decline with the industry taken over by more fruitier Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. 

But in the recent years, Grenache has again come to the forefront. At present 8,000 acres of South Australian wine growing region is covered by Grenache. One of the best Grenache wine in Australia is their signature GSM (Grenache, Shiraz and Mourvedre)  blend. Grenache is also widely used for Rose wines. The Barossa Valley Grenache is quite different from that produced in McLaren Vale. The latter is characterised by spicy notes while the Barossa Valley Grenache is more fruitier. Be it as a varietal wine or a blend, grenache has earned a position in the hearts of wine lovers.