Grenache – or garnacha as it is known in Spain – has a long history in Australia, with the original plantings dating back to the late 1880s. Grenache thrives in hot and dry conditions, and does especially well in regions like McLaren Vale, and the Barossa and Clare Valleys.
Grenache is medium- to full-bodied, bright in colour with balanced tannins, medium acidity and is jam-packed with aromas of orange rind, raspberry, plum and tobacco.
The ultimate crowd-pleasing wine, here are three expressions of grenache to help you celebrate International Grenache Day on Friday September 15.
2022 Krondorf Founder’s View Grenache
A vibrant and bright crimson hue. Highly expressive aromas of dark cherry, raspberry and Turkish delight, which align perfectly with underlying nuances of licorice and spice. This wine is medium bodied with a hallmark texture. A core of supple fruit leads to flavours of dark cherry and raspberry. Seamless flow supported by a fine chalky tannin profile that provides a textural element to this wine.Winemaker Nick Badrice says: I was lucky enough to spend three vintages (2003, 2004 and 2007) working overseas at Bodegas Borsao in Aragon in Spain. While I was there, I made wines from the region's extremely old grenache and tempranillo bush vines. This has really driven a passion for producing grenache. It is such a versatile and approachable variety, yet expresses its terroir with great ageing ability.
H. How do you approach the process when it comes to grenache?
NB. The grapes are picked from multiple vineyards within several sub-regions of the Barossa. They're picked earlier to capture freshness. We draw on the best fruit to ensure concentration and richness, and to allow true expression of the Barossa region and variety. When it comes to the winemaking, we ensure gentle maceration at a cooler temperature to retain bright fruit character. A small amount of oak is used to soften out the components.
Best enjoyed: You can enjoy the 2022 on its own, however my personal preference is to pair it with a classic osso buco.
RRP $28 | Drink to 2026 | krondorfwines.com.au
2017 Powell & Son Brennecke Grenache
The 2017 Brennecke shows pronounced red fruits, some tart plum and supporting notes of smoked meats and toast. The palate is lush and profound, but firm acidity carries the flavours through to the finish. A truly sensual wine; plush and generous through to the finish.Winemaker Dave Powell says: I love that grenache is so versatile, and that it is easy to match with so many different styles of food.
H. How do you approach the process when it comes to grenache?
DP. The old vines with low yields give concentration and depth. The wine is unusual in that it is aged for 24 months in new French barriques, however, because the vineyard was planted in 1901, the fruit has the concentration and tannin profile to handle the new wood. I have always said grenache noir is like warm climate pinot noir and under exceptional circumstances can be made using the same winemaking techniques.
Best enjoyed: It is imperative that high-quality grenache is drunk from a Burgundy wine glass. The 2017 will pair with duck in any form.
RRP $275 | Drink to 2043 | neldnerroad.com.au
2021 Serafino Reserve Grenache
Bright medium red perfumes of forest berries, cherries, plums, and spice. Medium bodied, with a long, even, bright palate. The brightness is super silky with spice, violets, and plums.The Serafino winemaking team says: The intense juicy raspberry and red apple aromas follow through to the palate as a burst of intense flavour. Those flavours are balanced seamlessly with subtle tannins that linger on the finish.
H. How do you approach the process when it comes to grenache?
WMT. Individuals parcels are selected from the cooler Blewitt Springs through to the warmer and riper Whites Valley vineyards. After destemming, the whole berries are fermented slowly to retain the varietal character and fruit intensity. We combine traditional and modern techniques. A small portion of the fruit is left for up to five weeks to undergo carbonic maceration to extract and enhance the cherry and ripe juicy flavours to give a subtle, yet intense, balance to our Reserve Grenache.
Best enjoyed: Our Reserve Grenache is ready to enjoy now while the fresh fruity flavours remain vibrant. This versatile wine will complement any course – serve at room temperature with a charcuterie platter, roast venison or even a vanilla panna cotta.
RRP $40 | Drink to 2027 | serafino.com.au
