2024 Grenache

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.