Grenache

Welcome to Vine to Wine this is your host Linda Moran. This time of year I begin looking at red wine again and I begin drinking more red than white wine. Admittedly one of the wines I enjoy during this transition is wine made from Grenache. On today’s program we’ll talk about Grenache. Grenache is a grape widely grown throughout the world. It grows best in very dry areas and has to be pruned quite severely or the foliage canopy will cover the grapes far too densely. Grenache is usually blended with other grapes such as Mouvedre or Syrah because they are higher in color and tannin. Grenache has many homes predominantly in France Spain and Australia. It is made in many styles from pale dry rose wines to serious red wines such as Chatueauneuf-du-Pape or Gigondas. When it comes to matching it with food it is a natural with cheeses such as mild cheddar, fontina, gouda and jarlsberg. I have also found that it goes well with foods that I would not have imagined such as the smoky eggplant spread babghanouj and tandoori oven cooked meats as well as Gumbo and Jambalaya. And then of course fabulous with Lamb, roasted game birds and stewed rabbit. Grenache will range from moderately priced to very expensive so if youre going to explore it ask for some recommendations. Try some from Australia Spain and France just to check out the differences. But most of have fun getting to know Grenache. Remember to send your wine questions to Linda at Vine to Wine dot net and thank you for joining me on today’s Vine to Wine.