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Saturday, January 15, 2022

Grenache


Grenache
"Grenache is the French name for the red grape known as Garnacha in Spain and Cannonau in Italy. Today, Grenache is the star of red blends in France's Southern Rhône Valley, reaching its pinnacle in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. It is widely grown in Spain, where it's dominant in Priorat and a component of blends with Tempranillo in Rioja and other regions. Cannonau is one of the main grapes in Italy's Sardinia. It also has a growing presence in the New World, in places like California and Australia.
Grenache buds early but ripens late. It thrives in warm climates, and likes stony soils like gravel, as well as limestone, clay and sand. In Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the vineyards are studded with large, round stones called galets. The wines tend to have low to moderate acidity, and the berries can reach high sugar levels, resulting in relatively high-alcohol wines, but still retaining balance with vibrant fruit.
Grenache can vary widely in style, depending on where it's grown, but also what grapes it is blended with—Syrah and Mourvèdre are common partners. Generally, the wines show a mix of red and dark fruit, like cherry, raspberry and blackberry. They can have some spice, often manifested with black pepper and star anise notes, and also display pronounced dried-herb qualities, such as bay leaf and tobacco." -- Wine Spectator

Grenache icons
Southern Rhône: Château de Beaucastel, Henri Bonneau, Clos des Papes, Domaine du Pégaü, Château Rayas, Domaine St.-Préfert
Priorat: Celler Mas Doix, Clos Mogador, Álvaro Palacios, Vall Llach



Grenache is one of the most widely planted grapes in the world
Known as Cannonau it Italy and know as Garnacha in Spain.





Some amazing Australian Grenache!


2020 Thistledown Gorgeous Old Vine Grenache...$16.99
100% Grenache
Tasting Notes: Gorgeous deep garnet color. Bright aromatics and quite lifted on the nose with a beautifully layered, textural palate with notes of wild strawberry and spice.
Thistledown is not alone in their endeavors to make great Grenache, they are unique in their methods and it is for this reason that they are now unanimously considered to be Australia’s top Grenache specialist.
Rated 92/100 Ray Jordan, Australian Wine Writer

2019 Thistledown Vagabond Grenache Blewitt Springs...$44.99
Old Vine Blewitt Springs, Mclaren Vale
This showcases the power of Blewitt Springs in a very boldly stated, fruit-driven expression of grenache with real purpose. The aromas are of redcurrants, raspberries, pomegranate and blood oranges and lead to a palate with a phenomenal drive of acidity and tannin. Such intense and defined style here. Drink or hold. Screw cap.
Rated 96/100 James Suckling







Some amazing California Grenache!
"A Tribute To Grace Wine Company is dedicated to crafting authentic expressions of Grenache. All wines are single-vineyard sourced to maintain authenticity, and remain 100% Grenache." - Angelo Osborne (owner/winemaker)

2018 A Tribute to Grace Grenache Santa Barbara....$29.99
Leading off the Grenache releases, the 2018 Grenache Santa Barbara County comes from Santa Barbara County and is 100% Grenache that was destemmed and brought up in neutral oak. Pretty cherry and strawberry fruits as well as a touch of violets and spice give way to a medium-bodied Grenache with a Pinot Noir-like elegance and purity. It's a lively, balanced effort to enjoy over the coming 3-5 years
Rated 90/100 Jeb Dunnuck
The 2018 Grenache (Santa Barbara County) is a fabulous introduction to this range. Perfumed, light on its feet and ethereal, the appellation Grenache has so much character. Crushed red berry, cedar, mint and wild flowers all grace this understated, totally classy wine from Angela Osborne. This is such a beautiful wine.
Rated 92/100 Vinous Media

2018 A Tribute to Grace Grenache Vie Caprice Vineyard....$45.99
Slightly deeper hued, the 2018 Grenache Vie Caprice Vineyard is a standout in the lineup. All Grenache from a vineyard in the Santa Ynez Valley and fermented with 44% stems, it has a classic Grenache nose of black cherries, licorice, loamy earth, and new leather. Rich, medium-bodied, and beautifully textured, with good concentration, it's well worth seeking out and should keep for 7-8 years.
Rated 92/100 Jeb Dunnuck
The 2018 Grenache Vie Caprice Vineyard captures Angela Osborne's style at its very best. A deep red, the Vie Caprice offers terrific freshness and density of fruit, but always in the lifted style that makes these wines so unique and compelling. Sweet red cherry, red plum, blood orange, rose petal and cinnamon lead into the soft, open-knit finish. This is such a gorgeous wine.
Rated 95/100 Vinous Media

2018 Tribute to Grace Grenache Shake Ridge...$75.99
From the Sierra Foothills, the 2018 Grenache Shake Ridge Ranch is all Grenache that was fermented with 31% stems and brought up in 24% new French oak. Burgundian notes of ripe cherry and strawberry fruits give way to more spice, new leather, and flowery incense notes with time in the glass, and it's medium-bodied, with beautiful elegance and purity, outstanding balance, and a great finish. It's a Pinot Noir lover's Grenache done brilliantly.
Rated 94/100 Jeb Dunnuck



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