Phil Luckett

Our wine gguru selects the best bottle for you

Grenache is a grape I regularly admire in French blends for its ability to lift alcohol and provide soft fruits in many of my favourites.

However, look a little further south, and we find the Spanish strain, Garnacha, producing some wonderful single varietals that are well worth trying out. A hardy, thin-skinned grape, it has proven very adept at growing in the dry and hot conditions often found in Spain.

The combination of low tannins and a soft, fruity character has led to this being regularly among the most heavily planted vines – but not without a battle from the more famous Tempranillo.

These days though, Garnacha is seeing a revival in its fortunes.

Ranging in styles from soft, full-bodied quaffing wines, to almost Pinot Noir-like delicate numbers, its versatility is wonderful.

Try a bottle of The Cubist from Waitrose for a beautiful taste of the fuller-bodied end of the spectrum.