Grenache

Grenache is one of the most widely planted red grape varieties in the world and it probably originated in Spain. It is a late ripening grape, so it needs a hot climate to get to its best maturity. In France it is grown in the south of France all the way from Chateauneuf Du Pape to Perpignan and the appellations of Languedoc-Roussilon like Corbières or Minervois. It is generally spicy and berry flavoured and soft on the palate, it can produce wines with very high alcohol levels like in Chateauneuf where they can reach up to 16° from time to time. In the south of France it is mostly blended with other varieties of grapes but will very often be the dominant one in a blend. Although Chateauneuf appellation allows a large variety of grapes the Grenache grape will always be part of it and very often the main one.