Grenache - wine grape variety

Grenache is a very important variety in southern Europe. There are about 105 000 ha in Spain, where it is known as Garnacha. In France the area of Grenache increased from about 52 000 ha to 87 000 ha between 1968 and 1988, and has no doubt continued to increase, mainly at the expense of the high yielding but poor quality variety Aramon. It is an important variety on the island of Sardinia, where it is called Can-nonao. Grenache is also present in Sicily and the southern Italian mainland under the names of Granaccia and Alicante. Other than Europe and what may remain in Algeria, the only appreciable areas are in California and Australia. California has 5200 ha. In Australia there are 1900 ha, 1700 ha in South Australia and the rest fairly evenly divided between New South Wales, Victoria and Western Australia.

Grenache is an upright growing and potentially vigorous variety, but the amount of growth is more sensitive to crop level than for most common varieties. It has medium, smooth, shiny, clear green, 3-lobed leaves which are hairless above and below. Bunches are medium, short and broad, compact with medium, round to short oval berries. The berries have a heavy bloom and can vary in colour from reddish pink to blue black according to crop level. Experience in Algeria as well as Australia has shown that Grenache is one of the best varieties in resisting hot, desiccating conditions.

The wines of Grenache are low in colour by Australian standards and age rapidly. Nevertheless Grenache is regarded as a premium variety in France if it is not cropped too heavily. It is used alone only in rose and fortified wines. For red table wines it is usually combined with varieties such as Carignan and Mataro which provide acid and tannin, and Cinsaut which gives smoothness. Shiraz, Clairette and other varieties may also be included to increase complexity.