GRENACHE DAY

A toast to the ‘hit new grape’ you never knew that you knew

Wine writers are quick to sing odes to the springlike nature of Sauvignon Blanc or the summer in a glass character of Riesling. A rag-tag band of producers is hoping to anoint the underappreciated Grenache/garnacha grape variety as the official grape of autumn.

Having declared Sept. 21 as International Grenache Day, the Garnacha Origen Association is working with regions spread across Spain and France to promote what they’re calling The Hit New Grape From the Old World.

The funny thing about this grape is even if you don’t recognize its name, you’re likely already familiar with its charms. One of the most planted red wine grapes in the world, it plays a significant role in regionally labelled wines, such as Rioja, Chateauneuf-du-Pape or Cotes du Rhone.

Grenache is widely planted across the southern Rhone Valley of France and down into Spain and beyond, notably in South Africa and Australia where exciting juicy reds that convey the ripe red berry flavour of the grape are produced at attractive prices. These are deliciously round

and pure reds that have more in common with Pinot Noir than the potent and powerful style of Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Adding to the diversity, the Grenache vine is prone to colour mutation so white Grenache (Grenache blanc) and Grenache Gris are also cultivated for white wine production. There’s a world of choice out there for anyone looking to try something different. A quick look at Canadian liquor store shelves sees a growing selection of Grenachebased white, red and rose wines sprinkled among the mix. Yes, the simple charms of the variety make it easy-to-appreciate and the friendly character of bistro style reds are always welcome. But it’s a disservice to pigeonhole this expressive grape into the domain of the cheap and cheerful. Some of the most exciting wines being produced in the world right now are single varietal Grenache or blends. Perhaps one of these juicy and approachable examples will become your new favourite wine.

Christopher Waters is the co-founder and editor of Vines, a national consumer wine magazine.