01/28/05 Linda`s new favorite - Grenache

Welcome to Vine to Wine this is your host Linda Moran and as you know my new favorite wine is usually the one that's in my glass at the time. Just recently I had a nice little glass of Grenache and on today's program we'll talk about the grape Grenache and the wine that is made from it. Although Grenache is best known in wines from the south of France it is actually native to Spain. It is one of the worlds most widely planted red grapes, and although it is best when blended it truly inspires winemakers throughout the world. By itself it has a spicy and sweet flavor that is undeniably fragrant. In much the world it is commonly combined with Syrah and Mouvedre, to create a very enjoyable red wine. In the south of France it is cultivated in the Rhone region and is the primary grape used to make the famous wines of Chateauneuf-du-Pape and Bandol. But there is some good Grenache coming from Australia too. It is most often a medium bodied wine that is very friendly with food. I think it's good with milder sweeter cuts of beef, roasted vegetables and just about any meat dish that has cherries in the sauce. For cheese I love it with a Spanish Cabrales or a cow's milk brie style cheese. So go to your favorite wine merchant and ask for some recommendations of wines that are primarily made from Grenache and have a taste my new favorite wine. I'm Linda Moran and thanks for joining me on today's Vine to Wine