Author: Antonio Fernández

Tradition, origin and a lot of history. European Grenache/Grenache is currently one of the most widely planted grapes in the world. All thanks to the exceptional quality it confers both to single-varietal wines and to the coupages. But its origins are linked to the warm and dry climate of the Mediterranean. This is where it thrives best, in northeastern Spain  and southern France.

Its evolution is unstoppable. While Garnacha/Grenache is now one of the most widely planted grapes in the world, its origin goes back to Europe in the region of what is now North-eastern Spain and Southern France. Thriving in the hot, dry Mediterranean climate, the varietal soon spread, first to Catalonia and then to other places where the Crown of Aragón expanded throughout the 12th-17th centuries (Southern France, Corsica, Sardinia, southern Italy, Sicily, Croatia and even Greece). In the 18th and 19th centuries, Garnacha/Grenache continued its expansion and spread to non-European regions, including Australia, North Africa and California. In the 18th and 20th centuries, Garnacha expands beyond Europe, entering Africa with the French colonies and launching the wine industry of Australia, before being overtaken by Shiraz. Until the 1990s, red Grenache remained the most widely planted red grape in the world.

The winemakers in the varietal’s birthplace (PDO Calatayud, PDO Campo de Borja, PDO Cariñena, PDO Somontano and PDO Terra Alta in Spain and Roussillon Geographical Indications) have embraced the grape for its high-quality, characterful varietal wines over the past 20 years. Today, the Grenache/Grenache variety is the best-kept secret of some of the world’s elite wines. Every day, it shines with its own light in cult single-varietal wines, linked to a very particular origin and tradition. The cradle of the varietal continues to be in the areas with the best climatological and soil conditions. In fact, almost 93 percent of the world’s Grenache vines are planted in Europe!

The age of the vines is a determining factor in obtaining these excellent wines. In particular, the old vines so common Europe, very often centenarians, make great differences in the production of wines with all their expressiveness. Old vines, which are abundant in the vineyards of North-eastern Spain and Roussillon in France, produce even more terroir-specific, concentrated wines due to their lower yields and well-established, deep roots. Increasingly, vintners are turning to these old vines, particularly in high-elevation sites with cooler conditions that preserve acidity, to make elegant, complex, and age-worthy wines.

Origin and tradition more present than ever

These vines, which have very deep roots that allow them to adapt well to the arid terrain, are capable of producing complex, elegant wines with all their finesse, and ideal for aging. Low yields often result in low productions. But at the same time, grapes are obtained that contain a great concentration of flavor and nuances of an unparalleled terroir. Quality grapes for sublime wines.

However, hand harvest is another of the constants in the European Garnacha/Grenache vineyards. Making it possible to select grapes in the best conditions and, therefore, to produce these high-end wines. It is worth remembering that this type of harvesting, whose good practices have remained practically unchanged over time, allows each grape to be pampered, making the first selection in the field from among the best, and that they arrive intact at the wineries in all their splendor, without deterioration or defects.

Classic harvesting methods compatible with the most avant-garde winery techniques. Techniques that give rise to outstanding references that respond to the needs of North American consumers. A public eager to taste European high-quality products, filled with tradition and history.

Grenache wine is increasingly recognized by the everyday consumer. Day after day, everyone who tastes it discovers its magnificent characteristics and unmistakable flavor. However, there is much more to know about this wine grape originated in Europe. Each bottle of Garnacha wine can be made from five different wine grapes (clones). Let us invite you to discover the  5 varieties of Grenache and the unique characteristics of each one.

Before showing the different varietal clones, let’s see what characteristics they all have in common. Grenache is a medium-late ripening grape, characterized by its resistance to extreme temperatures and adapts well to different types of soil. These factors cause substantial differences between Garnacha varieties, being one of the most versatile grapes in existence.  With red, white and gray variants (among others, such as tintorera or peluda), the varietal offers a panoply of possibilities for winemakers working in the mountains or by the sea, on schist, granite, limestone, clay and pebbly soils. From lissome, fresh whites to concentrated, brooding reds, there’s a European Grenache/Garnacha for every palate.

Regardless of the season, occasion or palate preference, Grenache elaborated in Europe is always the right choice. That’s because Garnacha offers more diversity and versatility than any other grape variety, showcasing its many styles in European vineyards. The European varietal has more to offer than other grapes because it isn’t just one variety—it’s several varieties in one. There are red/black, white, grey, tintorera and peluda variants with different clones of Grenache, each of which lends a unique aroma and flavor profile to the wines. Let’s dive into the diversity offered by this European wine grape: 

Garnacha Tinta (a.k.a. Grenache Noir)

Also known as Cannonau; Garnacha; Garnacha Tinta; Grenache Noir; Grenache; Tinto Basto; Tocai Rosso; Vernaccia Nera; Vernaccia Nera Grossa or Vernaccina Nero, this variety of Grenache is one of the most (5^th!) planted and well-known worldwide and it can be elaborated for reds, rosés, sparkling (blanc de noirs) or fortified wines. It is sensitive to pests, has little tolerance to wet and cold soils, but very resistant to wind and drought.

It produces wines of high alcohol content, great aromatic vigor and hints of raspberries. These wines are not too intense in color, medium-bodied and have moderate-low acidity.

Cured and fresh deli meats, as well as cheeses, are the best pairings for wines made of Garnacha Tinta (Red). This variety of Garnacha accepts any kind of cheese, but the best one for it is goat cheese. It also pairs really well with any dish that has been flavored with a cheese or tomato sauce, such as pasta. In addition, of course, what better combines with it is meats: from white meats, such as grilled lamb, to red meats, as stews and casseroles of beef and pork, or barbecue meat.

Garnacha Roja or Grenache Gris

Garnacha Roja; Garnacha Rose; Grenache Gris or Grenache Rose… regardless it multiple names, it is a rare yet interesting variety. Offering a pale pink color, with coppery flashes and structure, its aroma of citrus fruits, freshness and minerality keeps somms and wine enthusiasts in love with the results it can offer.

Last but not least, the Grenache Gris wines are the best accompaniment for appetizers, especially those that include a seafood dish. In addition, it is perfect for Mediterranean salads and baked fish. Likewise, it is also ideal for Asian dishes, such as raw fish and sushi.

Garnacha Peluda (a.k.a. Lledoner Pelut)

This clone gets its name from the hairy leaves resulted from a mutation of Grenache Noir, being resistant to drought, it adapts well to arid soils and is less sensitive to pests. The wines made with this grape have a lower alcohol content than the other varieties of Garnacha. Medium acidity, light on the palate and aromas of red fruits.

Garnacha Blanca or Grenache Blanc

This variety corresponds to a mutation of grenache noir (garnacha tinta), which is why it shares some characteristics: it is sensitive to humid soils, very resistant to droughts and wind.

White wines made with Garnacha are structured, have a greenish-yellow color and medium-high acidity, which makes it an ideal variety for both monovarietal wines and blends. Its aromatic intensity is medium and has floral, herbaceous and fruity notes. They have a high alcohol content and are sensitive to oxidation. Experts use it to produce from fresh and mineral to plump, rich and round whites… even sweet and stale wines perfect for dessert wines.

Perfect for fish rice, mixed or oriental. Any of them is a good option to pair it with Garnacha Blanca based white. Also, it combines perfectly with fish, especially whitefish. In addition, melted cheeses and rice and pasta salads are perfect to enjoy Grenache Blanc.

Alicante Henri Bouschet (a.k.a Garnacha Tintorera)

Originated in France and among one of the very few wine grapes whose pulp is dark colored, which produces wines of an intense color. This grape requires abundant water and deep soils with phosphorus fertilizers and endures the cold temperatures of winter well.

The wines it produces are very dense, with medium acidity, rough and with a high alcohol content. With an intense aroma of red fruits and a very accentuated color, that turns it into a variety used for blends. It’s the most tannic variety, which makes it rich in antioxidants, and perfect pairing for roast, fried or grilled meats.

 

Did you know that the European Union has one of the largest extension of vineyards on the planet? We are not only talking about a vital surface area to preserve the environment, landscapes and fauna. But also, that each territory contributes its own particularities to the wines, character and a unique personality, which are opening the doors of the most demanding world markets to these products. This is the case with the wines made in Europe from the Grenache/Grenache variety in Spain and France.

Origin counts for a lot in the European production system, one of the most demanding and guaranteeing. The EU’s Geographical Indications regime protects the names of products that come from specific regions and have specific qualities and a reputation linked to the territory of production.

The European Union takes pride while it stringently maintains precise regulations and specific quality standard regimes for agri-food products throughout 27 countries. These standards are set into place to ensure quality and safety for consumers’ health and their protection. Within this initiative, the EU quality policy aims to protect the names of specific products to promote their unique characteristics, linked to their geographical origin as well as traditions.

Signs of European quality and excellence

But do we know how to distinguish these differentiated quality figures? According to the European Commission, products registered as PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) are those with the strongest links to the geographical place where they are produced. On the other hand, the PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) highlights the relationship between the specific geographical region and the name of the product. This is the case when its quality, reputation or other specific characteristics are primarily attributable to the geographical origin. PDO and PGI products represent the excellence of European agricultural production developed under a legal framework. Products that are registered under one of these schemes may be marked with the logo for that scheme to help identify those products. Starting from the distinction between generic and distinctive quality, the main factors influencing safety in geographical indication products, stress the importance of traceability systems and biodiversity in securing generic and specific quality.

In this context, PDO Calatayud, PDO Campo de Borja, PDO Cariñena, PDO Somontano and PDO Terra Alta, and the Geographical Indications of Roussillon (14 PDOs and 3 PGIs) are a guarantee of their origin and quality. With their regional names, characteristics and products protected by the European Union.

Grenache grapes are almost “magical” expressions of their origins and the soils where they are grown in Europe. Garnacha wines, which can range from generously fruity to intensely mineral, have a distinctiveness and personality all of their own.

Diversity, versatility, origin, tradition, sustainability… European Grenache/Grenache wines are opening up to the world with an unbeatable letter of introduction, winning over American consumers. A public that is discovering the excellence of these liquid jewels coming from the Old Continent.

Garnacha PDOs in Spain

The five PDO regions in Northeastern Spain are considered the native area of the Garnacha grape: PDO Calatayud, PDO Campo de Borja, PDO Cariñena, PDO Somontano and PDO Terra Alta. Let’s take a look at them and their characteristics.

• DO Calatayud, one of the newest PDOs, was established in 1989. It is one of Spain’s most arid regions, but elevations ranging from 1,000 to 3,600 feet and high diurnal temperature variation help promote flavor development in limestone and slate soils. Both red and white Garnacha grapes are grown here to make red, white, and rosé wine. Reds are typically full bodied and rich, with black fruit and mineral characteristics shining through, particularly in wines made under the designation Superior Calatayud, which requires that red wines be made from a minimum of 85 percent red Garnacha from low-yield vines that are at least 50 years old.
• DO Campo de Borja’s continental climate offers ideal growing conditions for Garnacha: cold winters, hot summers with little rain, and strong winds to discourage pests and diseases. Like DO Calatayud, its neighbor to the south, it has many high-elevation sites and diverse soils. Red and white grapes are grown here, but still red wine is by far the most popular style. Wines from the lower-elevation sites are often powerful and aromatic, while those from higher-elevation sites are more subtle and elegant.
• One of the first places in Spain in which grapes were grown, DO Cariñena is the largest of the country’s Garnacha-producing regions and is now undergoing a revolution in quality. The region experiences a significant diurnal temperature shift in the summer, which contributes to wines that exhibit power and a high concentration of intense cherry, floral, and herbal flavors. Brownish limestone over and under rocky subsoil is the most common soil type. Many winemakers use carbonic maceration to balance structure while coaxing out fruit flavors, and moderate oak aging, as well as no oak aging, are also becoming more popular. Red and white grapes are used to make red, white, and rosé wines, and this is one of Spain’s few regions that produces sparkling Garnacha.
• DO Somontano’s name—which means “at the foot of the mountain”—comes from its location at the transition point between the Ebro River Valley and the Pyrenees Mountains. This small region is a relatively lush area that experiences moderately higher winter rainfall than its neighbors, but it shares the hot days, cool nights, and poor soils—mostly pebbles, sandstone, and clay—that make Garnacha so successful here. The region is known for its fruity, floral, and herbaceous white wines, which can range in style from light, crisp, and mineral-forward to full-bodied, rich, and round, but both white and red grapes are grown. The reds have a modern profile of cherry fruit, vanilla, chocolate, and spices.
• DO Terra Alta has some significant differences from the other PDOs. Its climate is Mediterranean, though it leans more continental in the winter, but abundant sunshine and strong winds are prevalent. Although red grapes are more common, this region grows more white Garnacha than any other—up to 30 percent of the world’s total production. Limestone and clay soils on Terra Alta’s plateau and valley floor produce white wines with citrus, peach, and chalky notes. Peluda grapes are also grown here, along with the red Garnacha variety, which yields raspberry, mineral-scented wines.

Garnacha PDOs & PGIs in France

• Around 600 BC the Greeks expanded their knowledge of the land to make viticulture flourish in southern Gaul. Thanks to its excellent climate, a mixture between continental and Mediterranean, and the richness and variety of the terrain, known as “terroir”, the Roussillon area became a large vineyard whose quality has continued to increase and improve year after year. The wine cultivation spread along the ancient Via Domitia, the Roman road that ran from the current Italy to Hispania.
• With 14 AOP and 3 IGP, mainly from 25 different grape varieties, the wines of Roussillon are of great richness, each expressing a character of its own:
  • The Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOP) Côtes du Roussillon is common on wine labels. Here, white, red, and gray grapes are used to make delicate, elegant, citrusy, floral whites; floral and red-fruited rosés; and fruity, spicy reds. Within Côtes du Roussillon, which represents many different terroirs, the northern, sloped vineyards and the foothills of the Canigou mountain are classified as Côtes du Roussillon Villages, which may only be used for red wines. This appellation comprises 51 communes, including several that may append the commune’s name to the AOP: Côtes du Roussillon Villages Latour de France (mainly grey Cambrian Schist), Côtes du Roussillon Villages Lesquerde (sand from Gneiss & Granit), Côtes du Roussillon Villages Caramany (Granit), Côtes du Roussillon Villages Tautavel (Limestone & chalky soils), Côtes du Roussillon Villages les Aspres (fine elements & pebbles of quartz, marble…).
  • The AOP Maury Sec is also a very renowned appellation based on red dry wines made from black schist and mainly with black Grenache.
  • The AOP Collioure is home to steep terraces of grey Cambrian schist that overlook the Mediterranean Sea—it’s a unique area that makes high-quality dry red, white, and rosé wines. Red, white, and grey Grenache varieties are allowed, and any wine must contain at least two different grapes.
  • The AOPs of Maury, Banyuls, Banyuls Grand Cru and Rivesaltes are Roussillon’s historic appellations for Vins Doux Naturels. They are all made mainly with white, red and grey Grenache.
  • The Indication Géographique Protégées (IGPs) Côtes Catalanes, which covers a large swath of land, Pays D’Oc and Côte Vermeille, located along the southern Mediterranean coast, make sometimes easy-drinking red, white, and rosé wines, but also some special mono-varietal beautiful expression. Those labelled Rancio will take on an amber color ranging to walnut as they age and will develop notes of nuts and dried fruit.

Product names can be granted a ‘Geographical Indication’ (GI) if they have a specific link to the place where they are made. The GI recognition enables consumers to trust and distinguish quality products while also helping producers market their products better. Products that are under consideration or have been granted GI recognition are listed in quality products registers. There are two quality schemes that fall under the umbrella of geographical indication and those are known as Protected Designation of Origin (PDO), Protected Geographical Indication (PGI). Within the PGI status, the entire product must be traditionally, at least 85% of the grapes used have to come exclusively from the geographical area where the wine is actually made and at least partially manufactured within the specific region while the PDO status mandates the entire product to be traditionally and entirely manufactured within the specific region- both, therefore, acquiring unique properties within their designation.

PDO and PGI products represent the excellence of European agricultural production developed under a legal framework. Products that are registered under one of these schemes may be marked with the logo for that scheme to help identify those products. Starting from the distinction between generic and distinctive quality, the main factors influencing safety in geographical indication products, stress the importance of traceability systems and biodiversity in securing generic and specific quality.

 

Climate change is one of the most talked about issues in the world today. Greenhouse gas emissions are increasing, the poles are melting, sea levels are rising, and droughts are becoming more frequent. But European Garnacha (a.k.a. Grenache) might be a solution for sustainability on viticulture. A wine grape whose production is eco-friendly (requires few resources) minimizing the impact on the environment as much as possible. But why is it such a sustainable varietal?

Garnacha as a sustainable grape variety because it is practically self-sustaining, promoting organic viticulture practices since it needs very little human intervention. Due to its drought resistance, it does not need large amounts of water to grow. On the contrary: it does not need irrigation, leaving a minimal water footprint. For this reason, Grenache is resistant to extreme weather conditions such as the increasingly common droughts, which are no longer only seasonal and can extend throughout the year.

Terroir: not only on the ground

Talking about this varietal means talking about old vines and their low natural yields. Nearly 93 percent of the world’s Grenache vines are planted in Europe, including many old-vine plantings. All this makes European Garnacha/Grenache one of the most resistant grape varieties nowadays. Another characteristic that make Garnacha/Grenache such a sustainable variety is the type of soil in which its deep roots extend, as it can grow in the poorest soils. 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, limestone, pebbles, and sand, allowing the grape to really express terroir diversity.

No matter the appellation, Garnacha is very sensitive to the terroir where it’s cultivated; the varietal offers strikingly different characteristics depending on where it’s grown. In northeastern Spain and the Roussillon Geographical Indications in the South of France, Garnacha/Grenache soak in the sun, while poor soils, old vines and low yields coax flavor and structure from each unique site. The Protected Designations of Origin (PDOs) and Protected Geographical Indications (PGIs) of these regions guarantee the European Union’s standards of quality and provenance in each bottle: the wines honor the taste, diversity and traditions of each place of origin. Although European Garnacha/Grenache is now one of the world’s most widely planted grape varieties, its origin can be traced back to this corner of the Mediterranean where it remains at the core of the regions’ identity.

Three PGIs and 14 PDOs within Roussillon Geographical Indications and five Spanish Protected Designations of Origin (PDO Calatayud, PDO Campo de Borja, PDO Cariñena, PDO Somontano and PDO Terra Alta), have now joined forces, supported by European Union AGRIP funds, to promote Garnacha/Grenache, highlighting that its full potential is best harnessed in its European birthplace. Although only a handful of vines survived the terrible phylloxera blight in the late 19th century, Europe is where some of the world’s oldest Garnacha/Grenache plants can be found, resulting on low yields, fruits of incredible concentration and complexity, with the deep roots stablished on poor and dry soils, allowing terroir to truly come through in each bottle.

Winemakers from the Geographical Indications where the European wine grape originated and it’s best adapted have dubbed the variety the world’s most eco-friendly grape. It’s well adapted to extremely dry weather conditions and therefore can be grown using environmentally friendly vineyard practices. Because it ripens late, the grape needs hot, dry conditions like those provided by the windy continental-Mediterranean climate of its European home.

The sturdy wood of the vines allows the variety to withstand strong winds, such as the cierzo and garbinada in Spain and the tramontane in France, which help keep the grape cluster free of rot and disease.

One of the most sustainable in the world

Old vines, which are abundant in the vineyards of North-eastern Spain and Roussillon in France, produce even more terroir-specific, concentrated wines due to their lower yields and well-established, deep roots. Increasingly, vintners are turning to these old vines, particularly in high-elevation sites with cooler conditions that preserve acidity, to make elegant, complex, and age-worthy wines.

In the vineyard, European Garnacha/Grenache old vines are drought-resistant, adaptable, self-sufficient and self-sustaining. Simply put – they make the best of a bad situation (poor soils and a dry/hot climate). Europe’s Garnacha/Grenache’s strong roots delve deep into the soil searching for humidity and nutrients; known as a “water-stress” variety, it is not that dependent on rainwater or irrigation like so many other grapes.

As recognized at the World Climate Change and Wine Conference held in Marbella (Spain) in 2011, Garnacha/Grenache is arguably one of the most sustainable wine grapes in the world, and it’s ready for climate change. Despite all these factors and changes in the climate, European Garnacha/Grenache is able to adapt in a sustainable way following the best traditional know-how and modern techniques to obtain the best quality.

If you want to know more about the wonders of this very special European grape and sustainability, check our past entries in the blog.