On the grapevine
SAM WYLIE-HARRIS ON... THE BIG REDS AND BRILLIANT BLENDS OF GRENACHE
TO raise a glass to International Grenache Day (September 20), we have rounded up some top drops in various guises...
Co-op Old Vine Garnacha 2018, Spain (£5.35, Co-op stores)
Well, hello! An attention-seeking, fruit-forward fiesta of jammy, juicy raspberry fruits, this is happiness in a glass and an easy glugger.
Waitrose Côtes du Rhone Village 2017, France (£7.99, Waitrose)
This classic blend of grenache, syrah and mouvedre more than delivers, with its ripe black fruits that glide along beautifully, backed by notes of dried herbs and a pleasing spice that keeps the flavours rolling with some freshness on the finish.
Les Freres Lumiere Côtes du Rhone 2018, France (£8.99, Majestic)
Softly decadent from start to finish, a big, fragrant bouquet of peppery black raspberry and cassis leads to lush raspberry fruit, and the concentration of syrah and grenache feels smooth and stylish.
Lirac Les Closiers Southern Rhone 2017, France (£10, Marks & Spencer stores)
A hidden treasure from the other side of the Rhone River, Lirac is closely related to Chateauneufdu-Pape, and the wines lean towards similar spicy, rich flavours but without the extra complexity – and hefty price tag.
Consistently highly rated, this beautifully perfumed, smooth, polished wine is dense but not heavy and opens up with leather and spicy red fruits, rewarding you with blackberry fruit laced with spice and a satisfying silky finish.
La Garnacha Salvaje del Moncayo 2015, Spain (£11.49, Majestic)
This wine’s calling card is its punchy, bushy fruits, with aromas and flavours of wild blackberries and plums intensified by a touch of tobacco leaf. There’s spicy sweetness galore, gentle oak and silky tannins, ending with a streak of minerality.
Bodegas Aldonia Rioja 2016, Spain (£13.50, Tanners Wines)
A radiant Rioja, garnacha (82%) is in the driving seat here with tempranillo playing second fiddle, and this pleasing mix of sweet red berries with a lick of vanilla is perfectly balanced and feels soft and seamless, and lighter than you’d expect at 15% abv. A lovely freshness on the finish keeps it bright and youthful.