Thanks to the climate and elevation of the land in Northeastern Spain and Southern France, there is a wide range of styles of Garnacha/Grenache in Europe, from sparkling wines to fortified sweet ones, for almost every wine enthusiast. Because it’s difficult to choose only one, here are some ideas for indulging yourself, your friends or family, all day long.
At the beach, by the pool, or, even, in the backyard, start your day with a glass of chilled Light bodied Garnacha. This terrific white wine reminisces the summer season in every sip. It’s crisp and refreshing with apple, peach, and lemon notes, ideal to fight the last hot days. Add a board of soft cheeses, olives, and fresh veggies, and let the party start!
What’s great about Grenache Blanc, it’s that it offers an array of styles, from distinctly minerally wines with licorice and floral aromas to fleshier versions full of tree fruits and occasional toasty notes from the oak influence. When it’s time to share some appetizers, Full-bodied Grenache Blanc is fantastic. Fresh or fried seafood pairs pretty well with this fruity and rich wine.
However, if you’re craving American fried chicken to commemorate this well-deserved holiday, don’t hesitate to open a bottle of Sparkling Garnacha. The bubble’s dance will keep the palate fresh to enjoy every bite. For the sugar lovers, bring the chocolate cake or fruit tart, and pair it with a perfect chilled flute of bubbles. This sparkling wine will elevate your Labor Day celebration.
Because this holiday is about enjoying the last sunny days of the season, simple and light appetizers can be great options to delight yourself or your guests. A board of charcuterie with cured ham, bread with tomato or anchovies, or grilled tuna mini sandwiches paired with the tasty and red fruit aromas found in Grenache Rosé , is the perfect combination for a day full of pleasures.
When the menu includes poultry, salmon, or a big plate of veggies, a Light-Bodied Red Grenache is the best match. Fresh, fruity, and bright with aromas of berries, this elegant wine is an explosion of flavors in the mouth. It could be your favorite partner at any time of the day, and even without a meal.
If you’re planning to have the last big barbecue of the season, and the palate needs something big and bold, the better way to pair those burgers, ribs and sausages is with a Full.bodied Garnacha tinto. This robust and concentrated, with mouth-filling flavors of blackberry and spices, wine also can be a great partner for slow-cooked meats such as lamb, pork, and beef. Just pop open it when dinner is served and taste every sip.
The day is almost ending. And to add something extra delicious this year, grab a slice of peach pie with caramel sauce or a piece of dark chocolate cake, and serve a glass of a Fortified Sweet Grenache Wine. Known as Vin Doux Naturel (VDN), this sweet and fruity wine can be served as dessert itself. But as extra sugar is always welcome, pairing it with your favorite dessert is highly recommended.
Saying goodbye to a long holiday weekend, it’s never easy, less if you enjoyed it with European Quality Garnacha/Grenache wines. However, you’re very welcome to have a glass of Garnacha/Grenache wines from Europe on every occasion and keep exploring their variety of styles. Cheers!
