European Quality wines, produced in Spain and France, “harvest” new milestones in North America. The ‘European Garnacha/Grenache Quality Wines’ program, financed mainly with EU funds, is entering its second year of implementation, with a wide range of programmed activities. Highlights include 1,500 in-store demo per year, PR, digital and participation in major professional events in key areas such as California, Illinois, New-York metro area, Florida and Texas.
This MULTI AGRIP EU funded program aims to improve awareness and increase the market share of European quality schemes, specifically those that come from an EU quality scheme (PDO/PGI) and carry an indication of the wine grape variety (Garnacha/Granache). Sofía González, manager of the European Garnacha/Grenache Quality Wines Program, has highlighted that the market share in value has increased by 32% in the USA in recent years. These figures can be explained in large part by the actions of the European program and the efforts of producers and marketers to publicize this type of wines that are so markedly differential. Professionals (media, importers, distributors and other industry players) and consumers have noticed the high quality of these wines. Their demand is growing exponentially in Europe, North America and Asia, among other world destinations.
A walkaround in the U.S.
During a three-year European Union co-funded marketing campaign to raise awareness of European quality Garnacha/Grenache wines in the United States of America, Garnacha Origen Association and Conseil Interprofessionnel des Vins du Roussillon (CIVR) have joined forces to promote the European wine grape Garnacha, also known by its French nom de vin Grenache, one of the world’s oldest and most widely planted wine grapes (being currently the seventh most planted grape variety in the world and the fifth most planted red grape).This promotion and dissemination program will make it possible for European monovarietal Garnacha/Grenache wines to participate in such important events in 2022 as The International Bulk Wine and Spirits Show (IBWSS) in San Francisco; TexSom (Dallas), USA Trade Tasting; or SommCon (San Diego), among others. Likewise, González has advanced that they are working so that journalists and industry professionals will visit this harvest the European varietal production areas of Spain and France, to experience European production standards and methos, as well as their differential characteristics. “Garnacha is more fashionable than ever in the US and also internationally. We are fortunate to have a variety which expresses well the terroir and tradition, adapting perfectly, in this way, to the new trends and demands of Americans,” she said.
While most people know Garnacha/Grenache for playing a role in GSM (Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre) blends, a new generation of winemakers in Europe, and particularly in its birthplace of Eastern Spain and French Roussillon, is crafting innovative wines in which the grape plays the starring role. Contemporary European producers are demonstrating that older vines, limited yields, and the right terroir can produce premium-quality single-varietal wines. This guide provides an overview and history of European Garnacha/Grenache, as well as a look at some of the EU geographical indications—protected geographical indication (PGI) and protected designation of origin (PDO)—that have been producing high-quality wines from this grape for generations.
The Association for the Promotion of Garnacha Wine (Garnacha Origen) groups together the Protected Designations of OriginPDO Calatayud, PDO Campo de Borja, PDO Cariñena, PDO Somontano and PDO Terra Alta, in Spain, while brings together 17 appellations of differentiated quality, between 14 Protected Designations of Origin and 3 Protected Geographical Indications.
Garnacha/Grenache – whether red, white, rosé, sparkling or fortified – presents several advantages and challenges. While it is not a difficult grape to grow, Garnacha/Grenache is highly sensitive to variations in terroir and requires specific conditions and care to produce its best wines. In some places the varietal has historically been blended with other grapes so it can add its ripe, aromatic and fruity aromas to other grapes with more tannins or color. Finding the perfect balance is a real art that European winemakers have succeeded in mastering.
No matter the region, Garnacha is very sensitive to the terroir where it’s cultivated; the grapes offer strikingly different characteristics depending on where they’re grown. Grenache proponents have dubbed Garnacha/Grenache – whether red, white, rosé, sparkling or fortified – presents several advantages and challenges. While it is not a difficult grape to grow, Garnacha/Grenache is highly sensitive to variations in terroir and requires specific conditions and care to produce its best wines. In some places the varietal has historically been blended with other grapes so it can add its ripe, aromatic and fruity aromas to other grapes with more tannins or color. Finding the perfect balance is a real art that European winemakers have succeeded in mastering.
European quality and tradition
Garnacha, also known by its French name ‘Grenache’, is one of the oldest and most internationally planted grapes. An emblem of the “terroir” and the identity of large agricultural in Europe. Although we can find this variety in practically all of Europe and the world. In its favor is its versatility, thanks to a wide range of red, white, rosé and even sweet and sparkling wines, marked by their balance and expressiveness. High quality gastronomic and great value wines in the North American market, make the variety more popular. “We are very satisfied with the evolution of this campaign, since we are making progress in achieving our objectives, which is to increase the competitiveness of EU quality wines, specifically those produced with the Garnacha/Grenache grape,” González remarked.
Garnacha has achieved a very good image and acceptance among the best prescriptions and professionals in North America. But there is still a long way to go to reach the general public and consolidate a greater presence in stores and restaurants for this type of quality European wines. Even more so in a country as important as the U.S., which also sets international trends, where wine is mainly chosen according to the grape variety. On this point, Garnacha Origen and CIVR have been pioneers and forerunners in focusing on the variety.
