Grenache

Grenache & Garnacha – the world grape variety with character

Whether as Grenache in the Rhône and Provence or as Garnacha in the vineyards of Spain – this grape variety carries many names and even more faces. Those who visited our Garnacha page earlier are exactly right here: Grenache and Garnacha are one and the same grape, only the dialect changes with the border. At Vinoscout, you will find over 148 wines of this fascinating variety – from sparkling Provence rosé for under 7 Euro to aged rarity for up to 279 Euro.

Origin and distribution: from Spain to the whole world

The home of Grenache lies in Spain, where it counts as Garnacha as the most widely planted red grape variety and has its place above all in Rioja, Navarra, and Aragón. But France, of all places, now houses the largest cultivation area with around 97,000 hectares – more than the country of origin itself. Worldwide, the variety counts among the most widely planted red grape varieties and has spread through the entire Mediterranean region: Southern France, Sardinia, but also Australia, Argentina, Chile, the USA, Israel, and South Africa rely on its strengths.

On Sardinia, it is the most important red grape variety under the name Cannonau and delivers the DOC red wine Cannonau di Sardegna. In France, one also hears "Grenache noire", in Spain regionally "Garnacho tinto" – the list of synonyms is long, the character behind it unmistakable.

Taste profile: fruity, juicy, versatile

Grenache is one of the few grape varieties that convinces equally in red, rosé, and white wine. Responsible for this is the comparatively pale berry skin, which allows quite different styles depending on vinification.

• Red wine: low-tannin, juicy, with aromas of cherry, blackberry, blueberry, and pomegranate – often with a pleasantly jammy melt. Under extreme conditions (heat, dryness, wind), concentrated, age-worthy wines with considerable alcohol are created.
• Rosé: light pink, fresh, with sweetish-fruity aroma – the typical Provence style that sets standards worldwide.
• Cuvée: Because Grenache brings little tannin, it is frequently blended with Mourvèdre, Syrah, or Tempranillo. This is how the great Rhône cuvées are created, just like the world-famous Rioja wines.

The most important regions at a glance

Côtes de Provence (France): The heart of our Grenache assortment. Here, the elegant rosé dominates – dry, mineral, with fine fruit. Chateau Miraval, Château d'Esclans with the Whispering Angel (starting at 21.95 Euro), or Château Minuty stand for this unmistakable style.

Côtes du Rhône (France): Grenache is the lead variety of the southern Rhône Valley. Perrin et Fils shows with their Famille Perrin Côtes du Rhône Réserve (starting at 9.95 Euro) how accessible and yet complex these wines can be.

Languedoc-Roussillon (France): Here, uncomplicated, drinkable wines are created – La Grange's Rondeur Appassimento (starting at 8.95 Euro) or the Listel Grain de Gris Rosé (starting at 6.95 Euro) are ideal entry-level wines.

Rioja (Spain): As Garnacha, it is a fixed component of classic Rioja cuvées. The Marqués de Cáceres Crianza (starting at 9.70 Euro) combines Garnacha with Tempranillo into a soft, high-alcohol red wine with real depth.

Food recommendations

Grenache red wines love grilled lamb, game dishes, chorizo, and hearty stews – the fruitiness of the variety wonderfully balances spicy aromas. Provence rosés made from Grenache fit excellently with seafood, goat cheese, ratatouille, and light summer dishes. Those who find a Grenache white wine should best serve it with fish and light poultry.

Order Grenache online – our buying advice

Would you like to buy Grenache and don't know where to start yet? Our assortment starts already at 5.55 Euro and offers the matching wine for every occasion. For uncomplicated everyday life, we recommend the Crazy Tropez Rosé (starting at 6.99 Euro) or the Marqués de Cáceres Crianza. Those looking for a special gift or planning an evening with high standards should reach for the Whispering Angel or the Miraval Rosé – two icons of Provence that fully deserve their reputation. Ordering Grenache online at Vinoscout means: short delivery routes, fair prices, and an assortment that ranges from Spanish Garnacha to the great Rhône blend.