Wine Lesson 183

Sun Herald

Sunday October 26, 2008

Sally Gudgeon

Don't overlook grenache

More than 300,000 hectares of grenache are planted around the world, three-quarters of which grow in Spain and southern France. It is also grown in Sardinia (where it is known as cannonau), California, South Africa and Australia. For the second most planted grape variety in the world grenache is underrated, mainly because of overcropping and poor winemaking. However, both Spain and South Australia have old low-yielding bush vines that produce remarkable grenache that cellars well. Grenache is a great blender, too. In the southern Rhone, it goes with syrah, mourvedre or cinsault to make red Cotes du Rhone. In Spain, it is blended with tempranillo to make Rioja, while Australia pays homage to the Rhone by blending it with shiraz or mourvedre.

D'Arenberg The Custodian Grenache 2006, $20

D'Arenberg, in the McLaren Vale, loves this grape variety and makes several wines with it. This 100 per cent grenache is full of fresh, juicy red berry flavours, soft tannins and lively acidity.

Turkey Flat Grenache 2006, $27

This gorgeous Barossa grenache smells of plums, cranberries, spice and violets. It is flavoursome and silky textured in the mouth, with a keynote of bright fruit. Match it with smoked meats.

Capcanes Mas Donis Red Montsant D.O. 2007, $30

A bright Spanish blend, predominantly garnacha (grenache) with a splash

of sryah. It has cranberry and redcurrant notes, fresh fruit flavours and acidity.

Chill and serve with tapas.

All wine prices are approximate

© 2008 Sun Herald

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