Thursday Virtual Happy Hour: Grenache

Grenache (Garnacha) is a red wine grape variety grown extensively in France, Spain, Australia and the United States. It is particularly versatile both in the vineyard and the winery, which may explain why it is one of the most widely distributed grapes in the world.

In France, Grenache (Noir) is most widely planted in the southern Rhône Valley and throughout both Provence and Languedoc-Roussillon. It is most commonly found alongside Syrah and Mourvedre in the classic Southern Rhone Blend (notably in Cotes du Rhone wines), and is the main grape variety in Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Grenache's versatility provides winemakers with all sorts of possibilities. Grenache-based rosé is one of southern France's signature wine styles.

In Spain, Garnacha is the second most-planted red-wine grape variety, surpassed only by its modern blending partner Tempranillo. It is grown in almost every area of Spain, but most notably in the north and east – it is the key constituent in the prestigious wines of Priorat. The arrival of the grapevine pest phylloxera to the Iberian Peninsula in the 19th Century brought unexpected benefits to Garnacha. The native vines were devastated (Rioja was particularly badly affected) it was robust Garnacha that replenished the vineyards and helped to re-energize the wine industry. In the 1980s and 1990s, Grenache's status was reduced, but it survived efforts to eradicate it, returning to international favor in the 21st Century. Emerging wine-producing nations such as China, Mexico and Israel are now cultivating the grape variety.

In many areas such as the Southern Rhône and the Barossa Valley, very ripe, juicy, fruity Grenache can be achieved. It is often, therefore, blended with other varieties which contribute acidity, a different tannin profile, color and aromatic complexity. This is a key element in the prominence of the Southern Rhône Red Blends and "GSM" blends in Australia and elsewhere, combining Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre.

## We have a choice of videos to watch including:

1. https://youtu.be/PzmLPp1KHVE?si=EJ60OtpHRdGWjtLW - GRENACHE / GARNACHA Grape: The Wine World's Next Big Thing! - No Sediment (9:38)
2. https://youtu.be/yZU8Wpc-TWI?si=NSCW1YSalg6xZk3b - Garnacha/Grenache for WSET Level 2 - Wine with Jimmy (8:02)
3. https://youtu.be/9xFWGz6_Zvc?si=sA-YOiMTImmzb1aJ - Grenache - Know Wine In No Time (8:27)

So, pick up a bottle and watch a couple of videos. Let us know what you’re drinking and eating, and, if possible, the region from which your wine comes. Do you have any comments (positive or negative) about the videos? And, as always, tell us what’s going on in your life - what's happening with you, how you're feeling about things, updates, successes, challenges - as much or as little as you’re willing to disclose. We are in this together. And - thank goodness - we have wine!

Cheers!!