Châteauneuf-du-Pape vineyard
1. Grenache (Garnacha in Spain) is the second most planted grape variety of the world.
2. Grenache originated in Spain. More precisely, in the province of Aragon (according to ampelographical evidence).
3. The wines made from the Grenache grape are generally spicy, berry-flavored and soft on the palate with a relatively high alcohol content.
4. In most wines from Southern Rhône, Grenache is the dominant grape variety.
5. Grenache is usually blended with other varieties such as Syrah, Carignan, Tempranillo and Cinsaut. However, varietal examples of Grenache do exist.
6. In Australia Grenache is typically blended in what is called a “GSM” blend (the other two grape varieties being Syrah and Mourvèdre).
7. The high sugar levels of Grenache make leads to the use of this grape variety in fortified wines. Red vins doux naturels of Roussillon and most Australian fortified wine are classical examples
8. Grenache noir (“black” Grenache) is a better known grape variety than Grenache blanc (“white” Grenache). However, Grenache blanc is also a very important grape variety in France.
9. Since it adds body and fruitiness to a wine, Grenache is commonly used as a blending component.
10. In Italy, Grenache is most commonly known as Cannonau. The most plantings are in Sardinia, but there are some plantings in other regions (Sicily, Calabria and Umbria).
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International #GrenacheDay
21st September 2012
As you know it has been an incredibly busy year for Grenache so far, and thanks to so many of you for participating in our activities and for joining the Association. How wonderful to see so many new wine lovers in our ranks – if we keep this up and join forces, going forward our Beloved Grape will no longer be the wineworld’s best kept secret.
International Grenache Day on September 21st is such a great occasion to spread the word.
As most of you know, we have built a useful website, www.grenacheday.com, with lots of ideas and downloads and, very importantly, the link to the all-important G-DAY MAP!!
One of the main objectives of Grenache Day is to have fun with it – of course it is great to sell wine, but this is also an opportunity to be creative, to learn something, to teach someone, to have a good time, to open some great bottles and to share wine, ideas and experiences with friends, clients, people in your neighborhood and/or on the other side of the world.
GRENACHE TV!!
This year, we will even be celebrating 24-hours in the life of Grenache, filming events in all time zones. If you want to film your activity or want more information on how to participate or advertise let us know.
Hard-up for ideas?
Depending on who you are and how you earn your keep, the starting point could be:
- Put Grenache-based wines in your shop window,
- Or by the glass in your restaurant,
- Review a bunch of wines that catch your fancy,
- Invite folks to your vineyard,
- Host a party for your friends,
- Open your best bottles from your cellar,
- Forward this email,
- Spread the word,
- Download useful Fact Sheets from the site
- join the Grenache Association
- Send out a press release,
- Wear something colorful,
- Wish people a happy #GrenacheDay on Facebook or Twitter,
- Step out of your comfort zone, be creative and have some fun!
But PLEASE, whatever you do and wherever you are: POST YOUR EVENT ON THE MAP, or ask us to do it for you (all we need is your address and a few words about what you are doing).
Many Great Grenachy Greetings,
Marlene, Nicole, Walter and the Gang
For information, contact marlene@grenachesymposium.com
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Cheers,
Luiz Alberto, #winelover #grenachelover
I love Grenache! That´s a grape of the week now.