So what makes this grape so sustainable? Let’s break it down. Starting from the beginning of the life cycle, Grenache is a relatively low-maintenance grape. It doesn’t require a lot to grow as it thrives in poor soils- slate, clay, pebbles, and sand, giving the grape the best results. Additionally, it is highly drought-resistant, so it does quite well in areas where water is limited, so it does not need any irrigation and thus uses less water supply. Furthermore, due to its sturdy wood, it can withstand the elements such as strong winds in its surrounding Mediterranean valleys. As the inevitable climate changes affect vines from all over, Grenache has been able to stand up to the changes in weather conditions and has proved to fight the increasingly acidic soils with resilience. The Garnacha/Grenache vine’s malleability in different soil pH’s is also helpful because the acidity of all soils increases over time. This can be due to the leaching of calcium by rainwater – particularly acid rain in urban areas, the addition of fertilizer, or simply the natural decomposition of organic matter.
How do these attributes contribute to winemaking today? Winemakers in the varietals’ birthplace (PDOs of Calatayud, Campo de Borja, Cariñena, Somontano, Terra Alta and PDOs & PGIs of Roussillon France) have taken a new approach to produce Garnacha/Grenache by taking advantage of these characteristics by:
Respecting very low natural yields
Taking advantage of the old vines and their suitability to the unique terroir
Combining modern techniques and old traditions
Producing wines of exceptional character and concentration
These geographical indications share a common devotion to Garnacha/Grenache; a majority of their vineyards are planted to the variety, and they represent one of the largest concentrations of quality Garnacha/Grenache wines in Europe. Their wines express the diversity of soils and styles found in this region.
Of course, the quality schemes guaranteed by the EU, the Geographical Indications (GI’s) or Protected Designation of Origin (PDO), and Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) will ensure food safety, traceability, authenticity, labeling, nutrition, and health.
As organic growing and winemaking is a relevant topic of conversation right now, these practices that have been adopted by many were already being used with Garnacha/Grenache. Originally, European winemaking and terroir have allowed grapes to be treated with no sulfates nor aggressive irrigation. In this scenario, Garnacha has become one of the primary grapes producing organic wines due to its versatility and adaptation to extreme climate conditions and terroirs of its birthplace in Spain and France.
