Not every varietal has it’s own day. In fact, Grenache is in a league with several grapes that are celebrated internationally each year. Malbec World Day was initiated by Wines of Argentina to bolster the grapes’ presence. Most recently, International Cabernet Sauvignon Day, took place on August 30th.
#GrenacheDay has been presented by the International Grenache Association for the past 5 years. These special days give producers and the wine industry a chance to shine a spotlight on a particular varietal. We don’t mind taking part in the festivities and toasting with Chardonnay on May 23rd or Merlot on November 7th, even though every day should be a wine day!
While we enjoy any excuse to talk about and drink great wine, we especially love Grenache! Why? Grenache is fitting all year round, it is incredibly food friendly and it plays nice with other wines when blended. Grenache can also fit into all budgets. We find many affordable and fun Grenache, and of course, we splurge on great Chateauneuf du Pape.
What wine should you be pouring today in celebration of Grenache Day? Here are some of our recent favourites, all are available for WineCollective members online and at Highfield by WineCollective in Calgary. Not a member? Use the coupon code “GRENACHEDAY2014” to receive $15 off your first delivery!
Australia
The Peacock’s Tail is a wine produced by Ben Riggs, at his home in Southern Australia. Peackock’s Tail is 85% Shiraz and a 15% splash of Grenache. Sister’s Run is a blend of Grenache, Shiraz and Mataro from Barossa. We think this wine is uniquely distinct, with stewed plums, blackberries and blueberries with a complex herbal tea and spice mix on the mid-palate – like walking through a flowering vegetable garden. Pair either with grill marks and a jazzed-up BBQ sauce with a marmalade base.
California
Tuck Beckstoffer’s Melée was inspired by a trip to the south of France where Tuck recognized the quality of Grenache. Grapes are harvested from two cool climate Grenache vineyards in Mendocino and the Central Coast. We paired the elegant flavours of herb d’ Provence and dried meats with lamb shanks served with carmalized onion on parsnip puree.
Spain
Priorat is an exciting wine region in Catalonia, northeast Spain. Red wines from Priorat are based on Grenache, and can contain different quantities of Carinena, Syrah and other French varietals like Cab Sauv. In the 2010 Martinet Bru we noted the fruits and florals of the purple plums and flowers with sage from the nose follow through and retain their freshness with added blackberry licorice. The finish is supple with hints of vanilla bean, mocha and minerality.
France
A blend of Syrah, Merlot, and Grenache, Jean Orliac Loup dans la Bergerie is located 24 km north of Montpellier, situated below the peaks of Montagne de l’Hortus and Pic St Loup. The winery resides in one of the most exciting and captivating areas in the Languedoc! The 2010 Olivier Ravoire Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a blend with a base of Grenache, and an undisclosed percentage of Mourvedre. This is Olivier Ravoire’s 4th vintage under his own label. Already the critics are heralding his solo efforts, the Olivier Ravoire Gigondas 2011 was ranked #15 on Wine Spectator’s 2013 ‘Top 100 Wines.’ Olivier’s success is not a coincidence, his father is well-established under Ravoire et Fils, where Olivier has acquired his traditional style.
You can find all of these delicious Grenache wines online at WineCollective.ca, or at our new store front location in Calgary, located at 22 1259 Highfield Crescent S.E.