Did you know there are over 60 ways to name Grenache all over the world? Known as Garnacha (AUS, BRA, NZL), Cannonau (ITA), Tocai Rosso (ITA), Rooi Grenache (ZAF), Red Grenache (ZAF, CHL), Granaxia (AUS), Tintore di Spagna (BIH), Grenaš crn (MKD, BIH, HRV), Grenache crni (HRV), Granacha (BIH), Alicantina (MAR), Garnacha negra (BIH), d’Alicante (BIH), Cannono (BIH), Lladoner Tinto (ESP) or Gironet (ESP), it originated in Europe (most likely Spain, according to ampelographic evidence). Because it needs hot and dry conditions it was the ideal grape for the Mediterranean climate and it spread.
| Varietal | Type | Names | Origin |
| Garnacha Blanca | W | Garnachablanca; Grenache Blanc | Spain |
| Garnacha Peluda | R | Lledoner Pelut | Spain |
| Garnacha Roja (Gris) | G | Garnacha Roja; Garnacha Rose; Grenache Gris; Grenache Rose | Spain |
| Garnacha Tinta | R | Cannonau; Garnacha; Garnacha Tinta; Grenache Noir; Grenache; Tinto Basto; Tocai Rosso; Vernaccia Nera; Vernaccia Nera Grossa; Vernaccina Nero | Spain |
| Alicante Henri Bouschet | R | Alicante; Alicante Bouchet; Alicante Bouschet; Alicante H. Bouschet/Tintorera; Alicante H Bouschet Tintor; Alikante Mouse; Garnacha Tintorera; Tintoreras | France |
As a result, Garnacha/Grenache has a long history in Spain, Southern France, Corsica, Sardinia, southern Italy, Sicily and even Greece, in addition to its European native land. In the 19th century, California wine growers prized the vine’s ability to produce high yields and withstand heat and drought conditions. Another fun fact… Grenache was one of the first varieties to be introduced to Australia in the 18th century and eventually became the country’s most widely planted red wine grape variety until it was surpassed by Shiraz in the mid-1960s.
Want to know more about European Garnacha/Grenache History? Check our latest post where you can read all about it!
