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Vyne
Wine Bible

Grape · Spain / Southern Rhône

Grenache / Garnacha

greh-NASH

Sun, garrigue, and lift

Pale red Grenache clusters on the vine
Pale red Grenache clusters on the vine

A thin-skinned Mediterranean red that tastes of raspberry, white pepper, and wild herbs. It is the soul of Châteauneuf, Priorat, and Navarra.

  • raspberry
  • white pepper
  • garrigue
  • orange peel
  • anise

Profile

Bodymedium
Acidlow
Tanninlow
Sugardry

Grenache loves heat and drought. Alcohol can climb, so the best sites keep freshness with altitude, wind, or old bush vines. In Châteauneuf-du-Pape it is blended; in Priorat, with Cariñena, it can be monumental.

As a pale rosado or Provençal-style rosé it is one of summer's most useful wines. As a red, serve cooler than you think — its low acid and high alcohol punish warmth.

Pair with grilled vegetables, lamb with herbs, chorizo, and anything with rosemary.

At the table

Service

57–61 °F (14–16 °C) — cooler than a Cabernet. A light chill helps.

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