Grenache grapes are described as the unsung hero of the wine world. As one of the oldest planted wine grapes in the world, Grenache has most often been used as a blending grape. Although it does quite well as its own varietal.
Grenache or Garnacha, as it is known in Spain, most likely originated in northern Spain. It is a grape with red fruit flavors and produces high alcohol content. Its contribution as a blending grape is body and sweetness.
In 2010, efforts were put into place to recognize the contribution of this varietal. This included celebrating International Grenache Day on the third Friday in September.
At one time, Grenache was an important blending grape for the bulk wine being produced in Central California wineries. In 1974, there were 20,000 acres of Grenache plantings in California, most of those in the Central Valley.
As the more common blending grapes for bulk wine became Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir, the acres of Grenache grapes declined. In 2010, California reported 6,000 acres of Grenache grapes, less than a third of the acres reported in 1974.
Since the late 1990’s, there has been an increasing interest in Grenache. Some of it spreading to the Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties. As of 2021, there were 4,224 acres of Grenache planted in California.
Here are some more Grenache numbers today:
- There are about 465,000 acres of Grenache grapes planted globally, which is down from more than 500,000 acres in 2000. (OIV, 2017)
- In 2000, it was the world’s second-most-planted grape. Today it is the seventh most planted wine grape in the world, fifth among the red grapes.
- At one time, Spain was the largest producer of Grenache grapes. France is now the largest producer of Grenache followed by Spain and Italy.
- France produces a total of 200,000 acres of Grenache, still making it the second most planted red grape in the country after Merlot.
- The Châteauneuf-du-Pape and the Rhone Valley region in the southern part of the country are the most important Grenache growing regions in France.
- California and Washington are the two states that dominate the growing of Grenache grapes in the United States.
- California has about 4,000 acres of Grenache vines, mostly in parts of the Central Valley, such as in Madera and Fresno County. (California Grape Acreage Report, 2021)
Grenache is considered a sustainable grape variety. It is drought and wind resistant, does well in hot conditions and needs minimal caretaking. It needs less water than most grapes, making it good for small productions, and it is tolerant of extreme weather conditions. For those reasons alone, Grenache grapes should be celebrated today.
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