Wine Style
Grenache
Red Wine
Grenache is a medium- to full-bodied red with red fruit, spice, and often high alcohol but gentle tannin. It shines in Southern Rhône blends and solo in Priorat and Spain's Garnacha heartlands. A versatile match for roast meats, Mediterranean dishes, and charcuterie.
Pronunciation: gruh-nosh
Also known as: Garnacha
Wine structure
Typical descriptors
Typical grapes
- grenache
Typical regions
Food pairings
Primary
Secondary
- Tapas and cured meats
Foods to avoid
- Very delicate white fish
- Minimalist raw preparations
Substitutions
If you cannot find Grenache, try:
Serving
- Temperature: 58–62°F (14–17°C)
- Glassware: Standard red wine glass
- Decanting: Optional for young, high-alcohol examples
- Cellaring / aging: 3–10 years; best examples gain complexity
Beginner guide
Look for red berry and spice — softer than Cabernet but still substantial with food.
FAQ
- Is Grenache usually blended?
- Often yes in Châteauneuf-du-Pape and GSM blends, but single-varietal examples are increasingly common.