Grenache

Also known as

Cannonau, Garnacha, Garnacha Tinta, Grenache Noir

Grenache, also called Garnacha, Garnacha Tinta, Cannonau and Grenache Noir, is a black-skinned Vitis vinifera grape whose documented homeland is Spain. Wine references point to Aragon as its probable birthplace. Its parentage has not been reliably established; DNA studies instead confirm that its many colour forms are stable mutations of the same old variety.

Today it thrives in hot, dry regions across Spain (Aragon, Priorat, Rioja and Navarra), southern France (Châteauneuf-du-Pape and the southern Rhône, Roussillon and Provençal rosés), Sardinia as Cannonau, Australia (the Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale), and California.

In the glass it usually shows pale colour, soft tannins and relatively high alcohol, with flavours of ripe strawberry, raspberry and a pinch of white pepper. Warm-climate examples can be jammy, while cooler sites and higher altitudes bring herbal and floral notes. It is often blended with Syrah, Mourvèdre, Tempranillo or Carignan, and is used for reds, rosés and fortified wines.