As organic growing and winemaking is a relevant topic of conversation right now, these practices that have been adopted by many were already being used with Garnacha/Grenache in Europe. As a survivor of such natural conditions (sun, dry strong winds, and really poor soils)  European winemaking and terroir have allowed grapes to be treated with no invasive treatments nor aggressive irrigation. In this scenario, European Garnacha/Grenache has become one of the primary grapes producing organic wines due to its versatility and adaptation to extreme climate conditions and terroirs of its birthplace in Spain and France.

How do these attributes contribute to winemaking today? European Winemakers in the varietals’ birthplace (PDOs of Calatayud, Campo de Borja, Cariñena, Somontano, Terra Alta and PDOs & PGIs of Roussillon France) have taken a new approach to produce Garnacha/Grenache by taking advantage of these characteristics by:

• Respecting very low natural yields
• Taking advantage of the old vines and their suitability to the unique terroir
• Combining modern techniques and old traditions
• Producing wines of exceptional character and concentration

As Jancis Robinson states, “With its upright growth and strong, sturdy trunk, Grenache is ideally suited to being grown as a water-seeking bush vine in hot, windy areas, its only disadvantage being its predilection to set relatively little fruit. But that, of course, means all the more flavor in the grapes that remain (…) The vine is relatively late ripening so can be grown successfully only in quite warm regions”. The variety also tends to be disease resistant and drought resistant, thriving in areas with little access to water. Its long, deep roots readily seek water, especially in warm, dry, well-drained soils with low fertility.”  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 might be one of the solutions to Climate Change impact in the industry. 

As recognized at the World Climate Change and Wine Conference held in Marbella (Spain) in 2011, Garnacha/Grenache is arguably the most eco-friendly grape in the world.