| Why is the most widely grown grape also one of | | | | This segment of the market is actually expanding. |
| the most undervalued and underestimated? | | | | On its own, Grenache makes fleshy, fruity wines. |
| Moreover, why is it rarely mentioned or seen on | | | | The general taste and mouth feel of these wines |
| the shelf? I am, of course, referring to Grenache. | | | | are more distinctive than any particular aromas or |
| Grenache noir is the world's most widely planted | | | | flavors. Due to its abundance, it is grown in bulk in |
| grape. It is used to make red wine, sometimes as | | | | California's Central Valley. It is generally considered |
| a stand-alone varietal, but most often used as a | | | | a lesser quality wine. Grenache has never |
| backbone of red blends. Used as a component in | | | | achieved much of a premium reputation as other |
| some Northern Rhone reds it is the primary | | | | red varietals. |
| component in nearly all Southern Rhone blends. | | | | Perhaps the world's most widely planted wine |
| Grenache is notable as the base for Chateauneuf | | | | grape should be celebrated and famous but it is |
| du Pape and Cotes du Rhone. In spite of this | | | | not. Rather The World Atlas of Wine refers to it |
| coming to fame from French wines, Spain is most | | | | as a "regional grape"... useful for rose`". Grenache |
| likely this grape's origin. | | | | is undervalued since the best Grenache wines |
| Nearly three times as much Grenache is planted in | | | | taste delicious immediately. This lowers the price in |
| Spain as in France. The Spanish refer to this | | | | a snob-driven market that commands that any |
| grape as "garnacha" or "garnacha tinta." It is the | | | | wine drinkable in its youth can't be great. This of |
| dominant red wine in Catalonia and prominent in | | | | course works in your favor. |
| Rioja. In other parts of the world, Australia has | | | | Grenache is also underestimated. The problem is |
| extensive plantings of Grenache along with being | | | | that it's too easy to grow. Around the world it is |
| very successful making full-bodied Grenache | | | | vastly over cropped resulting in vast quantities of |
| dominated blends. Until the past decade Grenache | | | | mediocre fruit suitable for only blending or bulk |
| was the third most planted red varietal in | | | | wines. |
| California following Zinfandel and Cabernet | | | | This wine is a wine lover's wine. It is very food |
| Sauvignon. | | | | friendly. With its lush fruit it easily pairs with grilled |
| The Grenache grape is low in malic acid and | | | | and smoked meals; and its gusto is perfect for |
| oxidizes readily. In Spain's Rioja and from some | | | | pairing with burgers, steak and lamb. |
| "old vine" plantings in California 100% varietal | | | | My advice is to try a bottle of Grenache as a |
| wines are produced. Mostly, however, it is used to | | | | stand alone wine from a retailer who carries it |
| fill out red blends in wines that are meant to be | | | | regularly. Consider substituting it for merlot and |
| consumed right away - everyday wines if you will. | | | | using it as an everyday wine knowing you can |
| Additional bonuses are that they are quality | | | | drink it alone as it is or pair it with most foods |
| wines,modestly priced. In fact Spanish wines falling | | | | and appetizers. Also know you're going to |
| in the $5.99 - $7.99 price range, including | | | | encounter Grenache blended into most other red |
| Grenache, Tempranillo and Vino Verde, have done | | | | varietals. |
| quite well during the current economic downturn. | | | | |