The Grenache grape variety
is a sweet grape and is one of the most widely planted in the
world. The Grenache produces wines that, in their youth,
are fruity, full in flavor, and have overtones of spice. Wines
made from the Grenache are usually light in color and are often
made of blends with other grape
varieties. The Grenache grape resists heat
and tolerates limited rainfall.
In France,
Grenache is used in making red and rose (Tavel and Lirac) wines
in the Rhone
river valley where it is widely planted. Grenache is widely
planted in Spain
where it is known as Garnacha Tinta. In the United
States it is grown in California
where it is almost exclusively a blending grape for rose wines.
Grenache is not known for producing wines that age well over
a long period of time. They are usually best consumed when they
are young.
