Characteristics of Grenache

This type of grape has different varieties of which two stand out: the “tintorera” and the “tinta”. The first is that which mainly makes this blending paper, since it has very appropriate characteristics for this purpose: a coloured pulp and high tannin content.

However, it is the Garnacha Tinta variety that has turned out to be the second most cultivated red grape variety in the world and in Spain, since it is found in more than 240,000 hectares of the country.

To be more precise, geographically, Garnacha is found mainly in Navarra, Catalonia, Madrid, part of Levante and La Mancha. As a historical curiosity, in Murchante, Navarre, in the mid-1970’s all the vines of this type began to be planted in order to cultivate other foreign vines; however, in a few years they had no choice but to replant them again due to the great demand of this variety.

Focusing on the representative characteristics of its strain, what stands out the most is its resistance to drought, pests and diseases. As for the grape, it is black, with thin skin and juicy flesh. These characteristics mean that, in general, its wines are vigorous, with a scarce colour and maroon colour, its body is not very acidic and, if they come from sunny places, they are wines with a high alcohol content.

The property that harms it is its high oxidability and rapid maturation, which causes the difficult vinification in wines that are not suitable for aging, and therefore in some areas are made with this varietal rancid wines or dessert. However, from old vines and in suitable soils great wines have been obtained.

Some of the best wines made exclusively from Garnacha grapes

These are some of the best Spanish wines made with Garnacha grapes that you can find. If you can afford it, buy one at least!

• L’Espectacle 2008 Magnum

With 96 points from the Guía Peñín, this magnificent Montsant wine comes from centennial Grenaches.

• El Reventón 2012

Another amazing Pérez Landi wine with 95 points from the Guía Peñín.

• Santa Cruz De Artazu 2010

Perhaps the best wine of Navarre, this monovarietal of Garnacha is made by Artadi, a guarantee of quality, as shown by the 95 points of the Guía Peñín.

• Aquilón 2004

The 96 Parker points speak for themselves. An explosion of aromas and flavors for this DO Campo de Borja wine.

La entrada Garnacha: second most important grape in Spanish wines se publicó primero en Blog INVINIC.

At Bodegas Alto Moncayo, in the A.O. Campo de Borja, this indigenous grape variety is grown under the supervision of Australian oenologue Chris Ringland and José Luis Cuenca, oenologue from Bodegas Borsao. Their objective is to be a becnhmark for the world and so far they are making it happen. These centenary vines were first planted in 1910 on the North face of Moncayo, a stony terrain with a high presence of slate and gravel.

“Lots of crushed, chalky minerality intermixed with explosive notes of kirsch liqueur, lavender and spring flowers are found in this dense, full-bodied, pure red.” are just some of the notes dedicated by The Wine Advocate. Furthermore, Parker considers its cellaring potential to be between 20 to 30 years, although its optimal would be closer to 8-15 years.

From INVINIC we would like to sincerely congratulate Bodegas Alto Moncayo and encourage our readers to try out some of the winery’s gems as well, such as Alto Moncayo Veraton 2010 and Alto Moncayo Aquilón 2004, on the lower and upper segment of Alto Moncayo, respectively.

For now, we will leave you to enjoy the documentary “Proyecto Garnachas de España” (with English Subs) about the winemaking, cultivation and study of this amazing grape variety.

Parte III Proyecto Garnachas de España La Garnacha Salvaje del Moncayo from Vintae on Vimeo.

Photo by: www.planetahedonista.com

La entrada Aragón, The Grenache Empire se publicó primero en Blog INVINIC.