<<

GRENACHE CHEAT-SHEET: THE OF THE FUTURE

KNOWING GRENACHE LIKING GRENACHE

GRENACHE, THE UNSUNG HERO OF THE -WORLD THE WINE Most widely planted red grape in the world, though little known to consumers. Used by The 3Ps of Grenache: desirable Price, Pleasure & Partnership: winemakers around the world to bring the soft mouthfeel and improve their blends, yet Delicious with great value that partner naturally with food rarely given credit for the superlative wines it makes or helps: “IT’S THE GRAPE YOU KNOW, YOU JUST DON’T KNOW IT” The 3 Vs of Grenache: Versatile, Velvety, Voluptuous Comes in all styles so can pair with anything: Makes red, white, AND sweet wines ECO-SUPERSTAR: drought resistant & adaptable, self-sufficient and self- The same wine can pair well with a variety of foods, from fish to red meat, , sustaining, set for global warming, arguably the most eco-friendly grape in the world. sauces… The strong roots delve deep into subterranean water tables and don’t depend as much Appropriate for all seasons as most other on rainwater. Enjoyable in blends or as 100% Grenache

The ultimate Mediterranean grape: Loves the sun; grows where Great Character grow: South of , , Australia, California, North Africa, South Africa etc. Welcoming, friendly, accessible, eminently drinkable & refreshing Rounded, velvety tannins, good acidity, ages well The ultimate Food Wine: Like a chameleon; the soft velvety tannins marry well Typical notes of cherries, & plums with more foods than most grapes, so the same bottle can often pair with a whole meal. DEFINING GRENACHE

MAKING GRENACHE “THE COMFORT GRAPE”: Juicy, luscious, voluptuous fruit (rich but not jammy) IN THE AND THE Warm and spicy Wine Regions well-known for good Grenache include, but are by no Welcoming, friendly, drinkable, very approachable when young means limited to: (FR) South of France: Châteauneuf‐du‐Pape, Gigondas, Languedoc, ; “THE PINOT OF THE SOUTH”: (SP) Priorat, Campo de Borja, Navarra, , Catalayud; Like Pinot, it adapts so much to its and to its winemakers-- (AU) , McLaren Vale; It also has a soft, broadly appealing style (US) Santa Barbara, Paso Robles, Santa Cruz; Washington State Power hidden in acidity and minerality so can age with less obvious structure, like Pinot Though if Pinot is Silk, Grenache is Velvet Secrets of Great Grenache start in the Never too tannic, acidic or ‘green’ vineyard: to bring out the best in Grenache, top Less exclusive/expensive than vintners/winemakers focus on: Careful site selection—ideally: “THE PERFECT PARTNER”: Low vigor soil, low humidity, well drained Well-suited to red, white, rosé, and sweet styles Careful management Brilliant ‘gastronomic’ wine Low yields Pairs well with almost any food Careful alcohol management (ripens at 14-16%) Works well in any season or climate Careful use of CO2 Perfect in a restaurant for diverse groups or menus Protect Old vines when possible

Celebrate INTERNATIONAL GRENACHE DAY: Friday 23 September 2011

SERVING GRENACHE TASTING GRENACHE

SERVING TEMPERATURE: Keep it cool!!! Look for upcoming Grenache Events around the world, such as: Grenache is often served too warm, causing alcohol to be perceived as out of balance Contact us if you would like to be invited to the next G-Night or Masterclass. Suggestion: Red & Sweet: Serve Cool - 14-18°C / 55-65°F INTERNATIONAL GRENACHE DAY: Friday 23 Sept 2011 White & Rose: Serve Chilled - Not under 8°C / 45°F Everyone is invited to celebrate Grenache with us anywhere. Producers, Importers, Retailers, Restaurants and Enthusiasts are working together all over the world to pop PAIRING GRENACHE some corks and spread the word. Last year, many restaurants posted special tasting menus, tens of thousands of Grenache lovers in 30+ countries were connected though Red : Light Poultry or pork, Salmon or trout, Barbecue a Google My Map which enabled them to log in their events and post their plans for Red Varietal: Full-bodied Meat, Grilled foods, important meals celebration then share stories and pictures. Jolly good fun! Red Blend: Light Grilled foods, works both with meat & fish Join in on the festivities by contacting us on [email protected] Grilled foods, spicy, flavoured foods, slow-cooked Daubes, Red Blend: Full Bodied Boeuf Bourguignon, lamb shoulder, game. Spices: thyme, tarragon, garlic, chives & fennel White / Blanc / Gris Summer truffles, salad, barbecue, white fish with lemon GRENACHE SYMPOSIUM 2013 Al fresco dining The second edition of the highly interactive Grenache Symposium that took place in Rosé (Dry) Versatile with food: Salads, including raw tomatoes, vinaigrettes June 2010 will build upon the interest and enthusiasm it generated. Fish: especially salmon, and seafood Light meats: paprika-spiced chorizo CONNECTING WITH GRENACHE Particularly good with spicy, Thai, Vietnamese & Chinese food

Fortified Grenache: Pale Colour: White, Amber, Tawny. Rabbit terrine with onion marmalade, roasted figs, dried fruits, almonds/nuts Should you feel inspired to know more, to contribute ideas, to receive info or to join Fortified Grenache: Fruity Colour: Red. Roasted black fruits with dark chocolate, blue us at upcoming events, please contact us at [email protected] or view www.YouTube.com/grenachesymposium. Fortified Grenache: Oxidised Colour: Red: Blue cheese, sesame ice cream, nougatine. Grenache Symposium is non-profit organisation set up to bring together all wine people interested in helping Grenache to be better known and appreciated in the SELECTING GRENACHE wine world. It aims to provide a professional forum for the examination of challenges and opportunities for producers and the trade, while raising awareness among Last June saw the largest tasting of several consumers. hundred top Grenaches from around the world, Info, press releases, upcoming events etc, are all available on the Grenache selected by experts and Masters of Wine, and Symposium website (www.grenachesymposium.com) sorted according to many categories. Grenache Symposium 2010, attended by 270 people from 23 countries: This selection is available on-line in the section Hosts: Steven Spurrier, Michel Bettane, Walter McKinlay (Domaine de www.grenachesymposium.com/GrenacheNews Mourchon), Nicole Rolet (Chêne Bleu) and the comprehensive printed booklet can be Regional Partners: Inter Rhône, Wine Academy of Spain, Sud de France, Wine Australia obtained by contacting Press: Contact Jane Silverman at [email protected] [email protected]