Grenache is grown
throughout the Eastern Mediterranean.
North of the Mediterranean, France and Spain have large holdings of
Grenache and there is a bit in Italy. The French influence in North Africa is
responsible for Grenache being planted in Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia. In the New World both Australia and the
United States have sizable plantings of Grenache. Grenache is a popular variety. It grows well in both warm and hot regions;
it is productive and yields well especially in hot climates. Despite its
productivity, Grenache will ripen grapes to a sugar level capable of producing
wines north of 15% alcohol. It is a
sturdy vine and grows well without a supporting stake. Head trained and spur pruned, Grenache vines
often resemble small trees.
When Steve Carter planted
his Three Way Vineyard, we had visions of producing a GSM (Grenache, Syrah,
Mourvèdre) blend. I was up for it but
insisted upon fermenting the individual grapes separately and not as a field
blend. We are happy we did because the
individual wines from all three varieties were outstanding. The Mourvèdre
turned out to be Graciano, but that’s another story. Of all the grapes Steve provides us he puts
more effort into farming the Grenache.
To achieve a deep color, he will thin after verasion and remove portions
of the cluster that are not fully colored.
We often harvest the vineyard twice, letting portions hang just a bit
longer to coax the last bit of flavor into the grapes. The resulting wine has almost two points more
alcohol than our Estate Grenache and is a bit darker. It also has more tannin but there is plenty
of flavor to balance the heft. I like
our Estate Grenache with lunch while the Three Way is a wine that is suitable
to accompany more substantial faire.
