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Ultimate Guide to Grenache Wine | Our 14 Favorite Under $30!
If you’re looking for red wine that has a longer history than most. And consistently ranks in the Top 7 most produced red wines in the world! But has been long forgotten as a “serious” red wine varietal, just a good blending wine. However in the last couple decades is making a comeback, then Grenache wine is the one!
In this blog post, we’ll teach you everything you need to know about Grenache wine – from where it comes from to food pairings to 14 of our favorite must-try bottles under $30.
Table of Contents
What is Grenache Wine?
Grenache is one of the most cultivated red wine varietals in the world. And its a red grape that’s grown in many Mediterranean countries like Spain, Italy, France, and now in countries like the US and Australia. For this late-ripening grape, it requires warm and dry climate conditions like those found in its origin country of Spain.
Around the world, Grenache or, in rare cases, Grenache Noir is its given name. However, for Spanish-speaking wine countries like Spain it has been known as Garnacha.
There’s also a Grenache Blanc grape (white grape) that produces a dry white wine with crisp citrusy notes and a mineral finish, best known from regions in Southern France or Spain (Garnacha Blanca).
And unlike most white wine grapes, the lesser known Grenache Gris has significantly darker grape skins that tend to be pinkish grey in color. As a result, the wines produced from this varietal are usually darker and of deeper flavor.
Where is it Produced?
Grenache is the most widely planted grape in Spain and France’s Rhone Valley, where it’s used as a blending grape. It’s also grown in warm regions of California, Australia, Italy, and South Africa.
Most well-known Grenache wine regions:
- Rioja (Spain) – Typically blended with Tempranillo, Garnacha adds robust juiciness and ripe fruit flavors.
- Priorat (Spain) – Over 40% of the land devoted to the Garnacha varietal. And wines here are usually single varietal or Garnacha based blends.
- Côtes du Rhône (France) – Normally used to produce their popular GSM blends (Grenache, Syrah, Mouvedre)
- Chateauneuf du Pape (France) – 1st official AOC of France makes iconic and delicious Grenache-based blends. My favorite Grenache wines in the world.
History of Grenache
The Grenache varietal is believed to have originated in the northwestern region of Spain and has a long history there. It’s estimated that the grape was first cultivated more than 2000 years ago. And before the 1990s, it was one of the most planted red wine grapes in the world.
Grenache quickly spread from Spain, where it’s still widely planted today. In the 1300s and 1400s it was brought to France and has since become an important part of many French wine blends, particularly those from the Rhone Valley.
In recent years, the Grenache grape has also been planted in California, Australia, and other New World regions where it has quickly gained a following for its bright acidity with fruit forward flavors. And its ability to produce full-bodied wines without becoming overly tannic.
Quick Fun Facts
- Grenache is one of the main wine grape for making the renowned Rosé wines of Provence. For example, the popular Whispering Angel is a Grenache-based Rosé.
- The finest and most expensive Grenache wines typically come from Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Priorat. However these days, even Californian cult winemakers like Sine Qua Non are producing high-quality, high cost Grenache wines.
- Another Grenache producing wine region is Ribera del Duero (Spain) – its one of the five (5) red wine grapes grown here.
- As a blending grape, Grenache adds body and juicy ripe fruit flavors.
- The flavor of Grenache wine is heavily influenced by its terroir. So in the US, it’ll be a fruit forward wine with bright acidity. And from France, you can taste dark and red fruits, along with earth, herbs, and smoky flavors. Lastly from Spain, you will have aromas and flavors of earth, black fruits, tobacco, licorice, and dark chocolate.
What Does Grenache Taste Like?
Grenache wines are known for their peppery, berry flavors and a smooth palate, as well as a relatively high alcohol content (14% – 16%). And generally this wine features a low to medium tannin content, moderate acidity, and a medium body.
Finally, there will be aromas and flavors of strawberry, raspberry, baked plum, cherry, dried herbs, cinnamon, tobacco, white pepper, and leather (for aged Grenache).
Grenache Food Pairings
Depending on its style and origin, Grenache lends itself to a wide variety of food pairing options.
Grenache’s bold flavors of pepper, herbs, and cinnamon make it a great pairing for any herb or spiced dish. Additionally, it also works well alongside grilled meats.
So try with:
- Carne Asada tacos
- Duck with cherry sauce
- Pizza
- Roasted vegetables
- Grilled steak with sauce
- Burgers
- BBQ meats
- Roasted meats with herbs
*And with their high alcohol content, these wines may not be an ideal accompaniment to spicy dishes.
Our 14 Best Grenache Wines Under $30
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1) Cellier des Princes Le Blason du Prince Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2021 (Best CdP)
With a rich history of nearly one century, Cellier des Princes stands out as an expert in producing exquisite Rhône reds since 1925.
And this renowned producer has the distinct privilege of owning vineyards that are planted on each of the three soil types found in Châteauneuf du Pape, a rare opportunity for any vintner.
Therefore, it allows them to create red wines that are simply fantastic and showcase the terroir of the region.
2) Black Slate La Vilella Alta 2018 (Best Overall)
This Grenache-based blend is a rich, medium to full bodied wine with intense aromas of blackberries, raspberries and spices. And it has a well balanced acidity with mature tannins and a beautiful finish.
3) Domaine du Père Caboche Vieilles Vignes Elisabeth Chambellan 2019 (Runner-Up CdP)
Another delicious CdP on this list, it has a deep ruby color with aromas of dark fruit, leather, and oak. And on the palate there are flavors of blackberry, raspberry, baked plum, and earthy flavors of tobacco and smoke.
4) Álvaro Palacios Camins del Priorat 2020
This is a blend of Garnacha, Cariñena and Syrah from this delicious Priorat. And it has aromas and flavors of sweet red fruits, spices, leather, vanilla, chocolate, and herbs. Additionally, it’s a medium to full-bodied wine with soft tannins and a fruity finish.
5) Château Puech-Haut Prestige Saint-Drézéry Rouge 2018
Made from Grenache and Syrah, this wine has a deep ruby red color with aromas of blackberry, and cherries. And on the palate it’s full-bodied with flavors of dark fruits, earthy notes, and a hint of vanilla, chocolate, and oak.
Finally, its just a well balanced finish with smooth tannins.
6) Xavier Vignon Arcane l'Étoile N.V.
This elegant GSM blend has a great texture and is very well balanced. And it has wonderful complex notes of raspberries, blackberries, dried herbs, pepper, and spices.
7) Department 66 Others 2017 (Best Value Rhone Blend)
Aromas of cherries, raspberries, chocolate, and fresh flowers with a flinty minerality. And then the flavors open up with raspberry, blackberry, and plum, followed by savory flavors of earthy notes, chocolate, leather, and dried herbs.
8) Maison du Midi Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2020
This youthful Grenache based blend is juicy, fresh, and elegant. And you will get aromas and flavors of red berries, cranberry, tart cherry, and white pepper followed by earthy and oak notes.
9) Owen Roe Sinister Hand 2019 (Best Washingon Blend)
This is a full-bodied red blend has aromas of dark fruits, vanilla, and black pepper. On the palate there is a well-balanced acidity with chewy tannins along with a vibrant finish.
Finally there are juicy flavors of raspberry, cherry, dark fruits, spices, oak and vanilla.
10) Château de Ségriés Lirac 2019
This dark garnet-colored wine showcases expressive aromas of red fruits, spicy notes, and a hint of oak. And the flavors are reminiscent of baked plum and blackberries with a kick of black pepper and a nice finish.
11) Yalumba Samuel's Collection Bush Vine Grenache 2020 (Best Value Australian)
Another great value wine especially when you can find it under $20!
This Barossa Grenache features inviting aromas of ripe juicy raspberry fruit. And the palate has a vibrant acidity with fresh raspberries, red currant, cherries, and dried herbs.
12) Domaine Lafage Nicolas Vieilles Vignes Grenache Noir 2019 (Best Value Languedoc-Roussillon)
This is an affordable wine that features a ruby-red color with aromas of sweet ripe black and red fruits. And one the palate there are savory flavors of cherry, raspberry jam, leather, herbal notes, and smoke.
13) Borsao Bodegas Cabriola 2017 (Best Value from Spain)
With a inviting scents of vanilla, this wine also bring you in with its deep black and red fruit nuances. And you’ll savor the velvety soft chewy tannins as well as its full-bodied texture and fruity aftertaste that lingers on your palate.
14) Alain Jaume Domaine Grand Veneur Côtes du Rhône Les Champauvins 2019
This wine is bursting with aromas of ripe cherries, raspberry, and violets. On the palate there are flavors of strawberry jam, cherry, white pepper, and herbs with a touch of spice, oak and tobacco.
Summary
And for the last two decades, winemakers have been utilizing traditional old vines and blending modern methods with ancient customs. And they are crafting a new era of Garnacha wines with unique structure and richness.
As this varietal is becoming increasingly recognized alongside other renowned varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec or Chardonnay.
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