More on Garnacha/Grenache

Garnacha (in French, Grenache, in Catalan, Garnatxa) is probably the most widely planted variety of red wine grape in the world.

It ripens late, so needs warm, dry conditions such as those found in Spain and in the south of France. It is generally spicy, red berry-flavoured and soft on the palate with a relatively high alcohol content.

It tends to lack acid, tannin and colour, and is usually blended with other varieties such as Syrah, Carignan and Cinsault.

Grenache is the dominant variety in most Southern Rhône wines, especially in Châteauneuf-du-Pape where it is typically over 80% of the blend. In Australia it is typically blended in “GSM” blends with Shiraz and Mourvèdre.

It’s also used to make rosé wines in France and Spain.

More on Samsó

I originally missed Samsó as a grape. Why? It’s the local name for Cariñena, a grape and the place of its origin in Aragon.

It’s slightly better known as Carignan and to make matters more complex, it’s also known as Mazuelo in the Rioja region.

What Garnacha lacks in tannin and acidity, the Samsó more than makes up for.

Previous Franck Massard tasting

The Rueda blend of Verdejo and Viura, called “Herbis”, was bloody good when I had it a while back. Check it out here.