Grenache/Garnacha Flashcards

Learn characteristics, winemaking/maturation, and important regions of Grenache/Garnacha, in addition to labeling in the Rhône Valley.

1
Q

What climate does Grenache/Garnacha prefer?

A

Warm

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2
Q

In which country did Grenache originate?

A

Spain, where it is known as Garnacha.

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3
Q

Describe the general profile of Grenache/Garnacha.

A
  • Dry
  • Low acidity
  • Low to medium tannin
  • Medium to high alcohol
  • Medium to full body
  • Very red fruited (wild plum, red cherry)
  • Occasionally spicy (white pepper, liquorice)
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4
Q

Is Grenache thin skinned or thick skinned?

A

Thin skinned

Grenache produces wines of just-medium color intensity, which makes it a good grape for rosé.

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5
Q

What method of rosé production is usually deployed for Grenache/Garnacha?

A

Short maceration

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6
Q

Why are other grapes blended with Grenache/Garnacha, such as Syrah (in France) and Tempranillo (in Spain)?

A

Syrah and Tempranillo add depth of color, tannin and acidity to Grenache’s light color, low acidity and low-ish tannins.

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7
Q

Fill in the blank:

A simple Grenache crafted for early consumption will usually be fermented and aged for a short time in _____ vessels, while a more complex, sturdy, and high-quality Grenache will usually be fermented and/or aged in _____ vessels.

A

inert, oak

Simple/early consumption: inert vessels

Complex/high quality: oak vessels (new, used, or a combination of both)

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8
Q

What flavors do Grenache or Grenache-based wines develop as they age?

A
  • Meat
  • Earth/mushrooms
  • Dried red fruits
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9
Q

What region in France is most important for Grenache?

A

The Rhône Valley, specifically the Southern Rhône.

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10
Q

What is the climate of the Southern Rhône?

A

Warm

It can often get downright hot in the Southern Rhône.

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11
Q

What are some contributing factors to Southern Rhône’s warmth?

A
  • It’s flat (flatter than Northern Rhône)
  • It’s further south in latitude
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12
Q

Is Grenache the only black grape allowed in the Southern Rhône?

A

No

Grenache is one of many black grapes in the Southern Rhône. It is typically blended with Syrah and other local grapes (e.g. Mourvèdre).

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13
Q

What is the most important appellation in the Southern Rhône for Grenache?

A

Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC

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14
Q

Describe the typical flavor profile of a red wine from Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC.

A
  • Dry
  • Full body
  • High alcohol
  • Medium acidity
  • Medium tannin
  • Ripe red and black fruits (because it’s usually blended)
  • Herbal (thyme, rosemary)
  • Herbaceous (tomato leaf)
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15
Q

What is special about the vineyard soil in Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC?

A

Vineyards are filled with large stones (called “pudding stones”) which absorb heat during the day and then redistribute that heat to the vines at night.

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16
Q

Name 2 appellations in the Southern Rhône known for simple, approachable, and affordable Grenache-based blends, and which one is more likely to be a touch more complex and interesting?

A
  1. Côtes du Rhône AOC
  2. Côtes du Rhône Villages AOC (more complex)
17
Q

What is an important appellation in the South of France for Grenache-based red blends and rosés?

A

Minervois AOC

Grenache here is usually blended with Syrah.

18
Q

Which appellation in Spain is known for making full-bodied, high alcohol, robust Grenache-based blends?

A

Priorat DOCa

Priorat is in Catalunya, in northeastern Spain.

19
Q

What are the 2 north-central appellations in Spain known for fresh, red-fruited wines with Garnacha as a component?

A
  1. Rioja DOCa
  2. Navarra DO
20
Q

What style of wine is Navarra DO best known for?

A

Dry rosés

21
Q

In Australia, Grenache is grown and made as a high-quality varietal in which 2 warm places?

A
  • Barossa Valley
  • McLaren Vale
22
Q

What grapes are usually blended with Grenache in Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale?

A
  • Shiraz
  • Other varieites, e.g. Mourvèdre