Camino, CA

May Wine of the Month Grenache

Our May wine of the Month Grenache is a transitional Red wine perfect for the month of May.

Ah Grenache.  We picked it as the wine for the month of May, largely because it is a transitional wine, much like May itself. 

Like May, Grenache comes in a host of styles and flavors.  It is the second-most planted red wine grape in the world, only surpassed by Cabernet Sauvignon.  It grows in virtually every wine-producing region and is made in possible the widest range of styles.  We suggest that you serve Grenache a little colder than you would other white wines – let it slowly come up to room temperature on your table to see what we’re talking about. 

From the light rose wines of Tavel in France, to a fruit-bomb GSM wine from Australia to the venerated Hearty Burgundy from California in the 70’s, Grenache is a workhorse.  It likes heat and it likes to bear a heavy crop.  It likes to be blended – check out a Chateauneuf-du-Pape from the Rhone or a Rioja or Priorat from Spain.  It is the lead singer in the GSM blend – Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre!

Grenache boasts of Spanish origins but its main stage may be found in the Rhone Valley of France.  It can stand on it’s own as a high alcohol wine like Banyuls or Gigondas or add a lighter edge to a blend.  We suggest that, as you fire up the barbie for the first couple of times this year – you consider pulling a cork on a Grenache to see how it fits your transition to the patio for the summer!