Grenache is poorly understood—most likely, you’ve only encountered the grape in a so-called “GSM” blend, consisting of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre and often presenting itself as a chummy, overly-alcoholic red blend with grocery store-shelf vibes.
On the other hand, you may have eye-balled Grenache-heavy blends on a wine-list at your local upscale restaurant and thought: Châteauneuf-du-Pape, isn’t that the one with the incredibly aristocratic label, a seal of arms and the fancy font? Château Rayas, a cult Grenache at… $800!?! No, thanks. Or what about a nice Tavel, a rosé-ish/light red—but that’s pricey, too. Maybe you’ve tasted an Australian Grenache that was so alcoholic, it could’ve been Port. Or you’ve had it in the form of a perhaps-overpowering sweet wine, under the name Maury.
And so you think: None of these are for me. Grenache isn’t for me.
But wait! I implore you from behind the screen of my embattled Macbook air, where the vowel keys are all unrecognizable because I have pummeled them to death with my fingertips over the course of writing two wine books.
There is a third way with Grenache—it can be elegant, but also easygoing. Friendly, fun, and yet still displaying those famous tannins, those beautiful dark fruits. No château—just good, light red wine with a fantastic personality
Keep reading for a little storytime about Grenache plus some recommendations of bottles to try (natty only and far, far less pricey than the Rayas!).
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