AUSTRALIAN GRENACHE
Grenache arrived in Australia in the James Busby collection in 1832, but it wasn’t until Dr Christopher Rawson Penfold introduced new cuttings of the variety from the south of France to South Australia that Grenache really took off.
It also saw huge plantings in the Riverland region and became a key component in fortified wines of the early Australian industry. It was the country's most planted variety until the middle of the 20th century. As consumer demand shifted towards more premium table wines, it fell out of favour, with many blocks pulled up and replaced with Shiraz and Cabernet, or left to grow wild.
By the start of the 21st century, however, the pendulum swung back, and renewed interest in the variety saw many winemakers turning to old vine Grenache stock to create single-varietal wines and classic Rhône-style blends. The Barossa Valley, in particular, has blocks of Grenache, planted in 1850, that are still producing wines each and every year.
WHAT IS GRENACHE WINE?
Grenache, with origins in both France and Spain, is one of the most widely planted grape varieties in the world. It thrives in hot, dry soils and was among the first vines planted in Australia. While it’s most famously known here as part of the GSM blend with Shiraz and Mourvèdre / Mataro, Grenache has increasingly gained recognition as a stand-alone varietal, particularly in South Australia, producing exceptional single-varietal wines.
WHAT TYPE OF WINE IS GRENACHE?
Grenache is a red wine celebrated for its bold flavours of red berries, such as raspberry and strawberry, often accented by a hint of spice. With an ABV of 13-14.5%, Australian Grenache is typically medium to full-bodied and smooth, delivering captivating flavours of plum and raspberry with each sip. Whether you're new to wine or a seasoned connoisseur, Grenache is a classic choice that never fails to impress.
IS GRENACHE RED OR WHITE?
Grenache is a red wine known for its versatility, ranging from light and fruity, to deep and full-bodied, offering a rich array of styles to explore and enjoy.
WHAT IS GRENACHE ROSÉ?
Grenache Rosé is a popular style of Rosé originating from the Rhône Valley in France but is now widely produced in regions like Spain, Australia, and California. Made from the Grenache grape, it offers vibrant flavours of strawberry, raspberry, and citrus with a crisp, refreshing finish. Known for its pale pink colour and light body, Grenache Rosé is an easy-drinking wine that pairs well with a range of dishes and is perfect for casual occasions.
WHAT IS A GRENACHE BLEND?
Grenache blends – also called GSM or Rhône-style blends – are composed of Grenache, Shiraz (or Syrah) and Mourvèdre (also known as Mataro). They’re much-loved blends due to the additional peppery complexity that Shiraz and Mourvèdre bring to the bright, vibrant fruits of Grenache. Grenache blends are among the most celebrated red blends in the world.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GRENACHE VS SHIRAZ?
With a similar weight and tannin structure to light and medium-bodied Shiraz, Grenache is light on the palate and all about the purity of fruit, offering bright red berry flavours with a juicy, spicy character. In contrast, Shiraz is bolder, fuller-bodied, and packed with dark fruit, pepper, and a rich, velvety texture. Both shine on their own but also blend beautifully in GSM wines.
WHAT DOES AUSTRALIAN GRENACHE TASTE LIKE?
Australian Grenache is bright and expressive, with aromas of pomegranate, wild strawberries, violets, and red fruits. It’s restrained yet fine in texture on the palate, often showcasing soft, velvety flavours that make it approachable from release.
Older Grenache vines produce intensely flavoured wines with added depth, developing rich layers of red fruits, mocha-tinged cherries, and earthy forest floor notes. While it’s commonly blended with Mataro/Mourvèdre for added spice and tannin, careful oak ageing enhances its natural spice, creating beautifully balanced and complex wines, whether blended or enjoyed as a single varietal.
IS GRENACHE SWEET OR DRY?
Grenache is typically a dry red wine. While its ripe strawberry, raspberry, and cherry notes can give an impression of sweetness, it is fermented to dryness. However, Grenache is also used to make sweeter styles, such as fortified wines like Australian Tawny.
IS GRENACHE SIMILAR TO SHIRAZ?
While Grenache and Shiraz share some similarities, particularly their soft tannins and fruit-forward character, they have distinct differences. Grenache is lighter with bright red fruit and spice character, while Shiraz is typically fuller-bodied with dark fruit and bold, peppery notes. They’re often blended for balance.
IS GRENACHE SIMILAR TO PINOT NOIR?
Both Grenache and Pinot Noir are lighter reds with soft tannins and bright red fruit flavours. However, Grenache is generally bolder, with higher alcohol and a spicier, juicier profile, while Pinot Noir is more delicate, with earthy, floral, and savoury notes. Both are food-friendly and can develop complexity with age.
BEST GRENACHE AUSTRALIA
Australia is known for producing some of the finest Grenache wines, with its warm climate providing the perfect conditions for the grape to thrive. Some of the standout producers include Penfolds, renowned for its premium wines, and Vasse Felix, which crafts Grenache from Margaret River with finesse and balance. Reschke in Coonawarra delivers rich, ripe Grenache, while Robert Oatley and Taylors Wines produce expressive, fruit-forward styles that showcase Australia's diverse terroirs.
WHAT REGION IN AUSTRALIA MAKES THE BEST GRENACHE?
Grenache is unique in Australia in that it is almost exclusively grown in South Australia, though regions like the Hunter Valley are also seeing some success with the variety. Some of the popular Grenache-growing regions in South Australia include:
MCLAREN VALE GRENACHE
Old vines, low yields, and a skilful blend of traditional and modern winemaking techniques are driving the success of McLaren Vale Grenache. This region is known for producing vibrant, complex wines with a perfect balance of fruit and spice.
BAROSSA VALLEY GRENACHE
Barossa Valley is home to some of Australia's oldest dry-grown Grenache vines, yielding fruit with intense ripeness and concentration. These Barossa Valley wines are rich and full-bodied and embody the essence of this iconic Australian region.
LANGHORNE CREEK GRENACHE
Langhorne Creek’s fertile, heavy soils create the perfect environment for Grenache to flourish. The region’s healthy, well-balanced fruit delivers wines that are rich in flavour and approachable, showcasing the variety’s versatility.
CLARE VALLEY GRENACHE
The old vineyards of Clare Valley produce Grenache that is more elegant and finely structured than those from the warmer regions like Barossa and McLaren Vale. These wines are beautifully balanced, with refined fruit flavours and a distinct sense of place.
DO YOU CHILL GRENACHE WINE?
You can chill Grenache wine. Lightly chilling Grenache can enhance its flavours. For full-bodied, red Grenache wines, serving them slightly cooler than room temperature, around 12–15°C (55–60°F) is recommended.
For Grenache Rosé, a cooler serving temperature of 7–9°C (44–48°F) is ideal to preserve its delicate aromas and crisp flavours.
DOES GRENACHE AGE WELL?
While most Grenache wines are best enjoyed within 4 years, bolder, Reserve-grade Grenache has the potential to age gracefully, becoming smoother and more rounded over time. If you’re sitting on a bottle of premium Grenache, ageing it can bring out deeper flavours and enhance its texture.
BEST FOOD PAIRINGS FOR GRENACHE?
Grenache's higher alcohol, medium tannins, and low acidity make it incredibly versatile, pairing beautifully with a wide range of dishes, from tomato-based pastas to game and mushrooms, but its ultimate match is pizza!
With its vibrant notes of red plum, black cherry, and raspberry, Grenache also shines alongside many Asian-inspired dishes. Flavours like lemongrass, soy, and coriander complement the wine perfectly, creating a delicious pairing. Some of our favourite recipes include bocconcini, cherry tomato, and basil pizza, as well as Lyndey Milan's blended burger with beetroot pickles.
Discover more delicious food pairings for Grenache.
HOW TO BUY GRENACHE FROM WINE SELECTORS?
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