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!