W3 Wine School

World Famous Grapes

Garnacha (Spain)

Grenache

Garnacha is one of the most widely planted wine grapes in the world. The grape is called:

  • Garnacha in Spain
  • Grenache in France
  • Cannonau in Italy (Sardinia).

Garnacha is said to be native of Aragón in Spain.

From Spain it travelled to Languedoc-Roussillon in France, then to the Rhône Valley, and then finally to Sardinia in Italy.

The grape ripens late and needs hot and dry conditions (as in Spain and in South of Italy).

Garnacha Flavors

Garnacha is known for its aromatic intensity of ripe red fruits such as cherry, raspberry, and strawberry, complemented by hint of spices and earthy undertones.

Depending on terroir and winemaking, additional aromas can include pepper, licorice (anise), and herbs (thyme and rosemary).

Cherry
Cherry
Raspberry
Raspberry
Strawberry
Strawberry
Black Cherry
Black
Cherry
Herbs
Herbs
Pepper
Pepper
Anise
Licorice
Plum
Plum

Garnacha in Spain

Garnacha is the second most planted red grape in Spain (after Tempranillo). It is known for producing a range of wine styles from light and fruity to rich and complex. Its ability to thrive in hot and dry climates, makes it a key player in Spanish viticulture.

Garnacha adapts well to various soil types, including rocky, sandy, and clay-limestone soils. In regions like Priorat, the slate soils contribute to the grape's unique mineral character.

Garnacha wines are food-friendly, suitable for various pairings, and some have excellent aging potential.

While many Garnacha wines are enjoyed young to appreciate their fresh and fruity qualities, those from regions like Priorat or old vine Garnacha in Aragón, can benefit from aging, developing greater complexity and depth over time.

The most significant producing areas are Aragón, where you find the vast majority of old-vine Garnacha planted in Spain.

Influenced by the mountain chain of the Pyrenees, Aragon is a land of extremes with differents terroirs, elevations (400 to 800m) and climates resulting in different expressions of Garnacha.

Best known areas/regions:

DO Campo de Borja (Aragón)
DO Sormontano (Aragón)
DO Calatyud (Aragón)
DO Priorat (Catalunya)
Navarra DO
Rioja DO


Garnacha Rosé

Garnatcha's high sugar content and red fruit flavors make it an excellent choice for rosé wines.

Navarra Rosado DO, made from 100% Garnacha grapes, is regarded as one of the best rosé wines in the world.

Grenache in France

In France, Grenache is the key ingredient in:
Châteauneuf-du-Pape and GSM blends.
It is also the most planted grape variety in Languedoc-Roussillon.

Best known areas/regions:

Côte du Rhône AOC (Rôhne)
Côte du Rhône Villages AOC (Rôhne Villages)
Côte du Rhône Cru (Rôhne Crus)
Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC (Biggest Rôhne Cru)
Luberon AOC (South East Rôhne)
Minervos AOC (Languedoc-Roussillon)

Cannonau in Italy

In Italy, Grenache is most commonly found in Sardinia under the name Cannonau.

"Cannonau di Sardegna DOC" must contain at least 90% local Cannonau.

Best known areas/regions:

Subzones of Cannonau di Sardegna DOC:

  • Nepente di Oliena
  • Jerzu
  • Capo Ferrato

Cannonau is also grown elsewhere in Italy under the names: Alicante, Tocai Rosso, Granaccia, and Vernaccia Nera.


Grenache in Australia

Best known areas/regions:

Barossa Valley
McLaren Vale

Region Aragón

Aragon

Aragón is located in northeastern Spain between Rioja and Catalunya.

The wines from Aragón are similar to those of Rioja but less expensive.

They are generally fresh and fruity and considered to be good Spanish value options.

Red wines dominate the production with focus on Garnacha sometimes blended with Tempranillo or Syrah.

Aragón DO Regions

DO Campo de Borja
DO Calatayud
DO Cariñena
DO Somontano
Vinos DO de Aragón

Black Grapes

Cabernet Sauvignon

53% Garnacha
18% Cariñena
12% Tempranillo

White Grapes

Sauvignon

4% Chardonnay
3% Macabeo


Red Wines

Red Wine

Garnacha

White Wines

White Wine

Macabeo (Viura)
Chardonnay


Soil

Soil

Hilly
Sandstone
Limestone

Climate

Soil

Hot and Dry
Intense Summers
Pyrenees Mountains
Ebro River


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