I love Grenache. I seek it out. It can be made in so many ways and come from so many regions and countries around the world. I love them all: Rhone, Spanish, Australian, California.
My most recent favorite is the 2021 Margerum Grenache. An intense, California style Grenache with a level of fruit extraction I have not experienced before.
How about you all. Tell me your Grenache journey.
This event seems tailor made for you - https://grenachefest.com/
Yes!
Well . . .
The variety is made in so many different styles these days - and it’s made in so many different AVAs and states. Beautiful versions coming out of Santa Barbara County, SLO County, Monterrey County, Santa Cruz Mountains, Contra Costa County, Sonoma, Sierra Foothills, Southern Oregon, throughout WA as well.
And are we talking Grenache, Grenache Gris, Grenache Blanc, Grenache Rose? And with Grenache, 100% Grenache or blends?
The Rhone Rangers holds an International Grenache Day tasting up in Paso each year in September featuring about 30 winereis - something to consider as well
Cheers
I had a Grenache Tintorera recently, but I understand that is really an Alicante Bouschet. Very dark, licorice, smoke.
I enjoy Grenache Blanc, rose’ of Grenache, blends, 100%. Love them all. Grenache is what Pinot Noir would love to be.
In terms of domestic Grenache I drink Sandlands, Newfound, Enfield, Phelan Farms, A Tribute to Grace and Cary Q…but I am always looking for more. Dominio del Challao in Rioja is 100% Grenache from a young winemaker that is fantastic! Mazière from Languedoc is also lovely. I started with CdP, and am fortunate to have had bottles of Rayas over the years, which will always be my anchor in terms of my appreciation for Grenache. It is quite singular, but I do appreciate many different styles from sandy to granitic soils, but of course when I hear old vine Grenache on sandy soils I cannot help but get excited. I have been flirting with the idea of doing an event centered around Grenache, and maybe this thread will inspire me to continue.
@Bobby_Moy and @Mike_Schieffer both make very nice versions, which have been great Berserker Day finds for us.
Also have enjoyed Bokisch, Jemrose (I think they’re no longer producing wine, but I believe Jolie-Laide uses their fruit), Tablas.
Shameless Plug
If you love Grenache (of all colors), you should check out my wines (Ocelli Cellars). All I make is Grenache in lots of different styles. I even make a White Grenache Noir (white wine from red fruit).
I think what I love most about Grenache is that there can be an intensity of flavor without a lot of grippy tannins, so I feel like I can enjoy multiple glasses without tiring my palate.
I have had your Grenache John and I enjoyed them.
Will look into your wines John. I’m a self admitted Grenache lover. All types. White. Rose. 100%. Love them all. My favorites of late are Top Winery and Seduire from Paso both 100% Grenache. Cheers and Happy 4th of July!!!
I’ll also endorse John’s Ocelli grenache. Very nice wines.
From the NW, great grenache is made by Cayuse (God Only Knows), Horsepower (several vineyards), and K Vintners (the Boy, and Charlotte the latter being a CdP-like blend which I actually prefer)
Can’t forget Lillian Grenache! Cause Maggie Harrison is brilliant
Ah heck - well, if we’re going to be raising out hands . . .
I’ve been making Grenache Blanc and Grenaches since 2’006. I currently make Grenaches from multiple sites here in Santa Barbara County, including a cooler climate site in the Santa Rita Hills.
Cheers
I’d second Tribute to Grace for a lighter more delicate style. Her 100% sparkling grenache blanc de noir is also worth seeking out when available, IMO.
Maranones is nice and lighter style from sierra de gredos.
Most of the domestic Grenache I drink cones from Santa Barbara County. My favorites are from @larry_schaffer Tercero Wines, Jaffurs, and Andrew Murray. I loved the 100% Grenache from Colson Canyon Vineyard that Turley used to make. Now that Grenache goes into his GSM and Rose. I also enjoy the Grenache made by @Bobby_Moy and his Chiron label.
I also drink Grenache from Gigondas in France. But 100% Grenache from the area are becoming harder to find as there is usually Syrah, Mourvèdre, or Cinsault blended in.
I like her Grenache as well. I don’t really consider them light, more medium bodied.
I need to try Larry’s. I love Magerum, Beckmen and Jaffurs from SBC.
they do! not sure if they had offered it in the past but I bought some this spring.
How would you describe your style of red Grenache?