Tag: grenache
Every year since 2013, a unique occasion for celebrating Garnacha/Grenache wines from all over the world takes place: this is Grenaches du Monde, an exciting competition where more than 100 professional judges a wide selection of the grape from diverse geographical indications.
The event, born and coordinated by the CIVR (Interprofessional Council of Wines from Roussillon) takes place each year in appellations focused on Garnacha/Grenache variety. After Perpignan (France), Campo de Borja (Spain) and Sardinia (Italy), this year, it is the turn of PDO Terra Alta (Catalonia, Spain) where Grenache Blanc reigns at one of the most promising Mediterranean growing regions of this exceptional grape. The land of Garnacha Blanca will receive participants from April the 12th until the closing ceremony, on April 14.
The rising numbers from past editions expect more than 800 samples from France, Spain, Italy, South Africa, Australia, Canada, Republic of Macedonia, Lebanon and Greece, amongst other countries.
With more than 5 past editions and 684 wines judged in 2017, Grenaches du Monde has become the annual event to discover and celebrate the Mediterranean quintessential variety: Garnacha (a.k.a.Grenache).
Save the date: it’s Garnacha/Grenache’s greatest time of the year!
For more information regarding the sixth edition and the prescription process, please consult Grenaches du Monde main website: https://www.grenachesdumonde.com/en/the-competition/
(Registrations and sample sending open until March the 22nd).
Spain and France join forces with the European Commission to unveil the grape’s true potential in North America
Garnacha Origen Association and Wines of Roussillon (Conseil Interprofessionnel des Vins du Roussillon) are thrilled to announce their alliance in launching “Garnacha/Grenache: The New Hit Grape from the Old World,” a three-year European Union co-funded campaign to raise awareness of European quality Garnacha/Grenache wines in the USA and Canada. Garnacha, also known by its French nom de vin Grenache, is one of the world’s oldest and most widely planted wine grapes.
Luscious, fruity and very diverse, it is perfectly suited to Europe’s Mediterranean climate and terroirs, where it can reveal its most intense and enamoring expressions.
European quality Garnacha/Grenache has been gaining momentum and appreciation amongst American wine trade professionals, who recognize Euro-Mediterranean wine producers’ efforts in breaking new levels of quality.
In fact, this growing appreciation is clearly expressed by export trends of Garnacha/Grenache-based wines from both Spain and France. From 2014 to 2016, Garnacha/Grenache’s market share has extraordinarily increased by 34% in terms of value, going from 12.2 million USD in 2014 to 15.1 million USD in 2016. However, Garnacha/Grenache has yet to become a mainstream variety in the minds of American consumers. The Garnacha/Grenache campaign will aim to change that, in order to make the grape a staple in both wine stores and restaurants.
“Our objective with this campaign is to increase the competitiveness of EU quality wines, specifically those produced with the Garnacha/Grenache grape, by increasing its awareness as an EU agricultural product and raising the grape’s profile in high growth third countries, including the USA and Canada,” said Sofia Gonzalez, Manager of European Garnacha/Grenache Quality Wines Program.
Launching in 2017, the campaign will peak on September 15th 2017 (Garnacha/Grenache Day), during which consumers will be able to discover more about the grape through tastings in stores and restaurants, virtual tastings on Twitter, social media activations and the walk-around Wine Fest tastings.
With red and white, rosé, and even sweet and sparkling wines, Garnacha/Grenache is capable of great diversity. Characterized by excellent balance and an expressive nature, Garnacha/Grenache is sometimes dubbed the most food-friendly grape in the world, and is widely available at less than $25 a bottle, making it ideal to please Americans’ growing curiosity and appreciation for high-quality wines.
