Grenache is a medium bodied red wine with moderate acidity,
and bright red fruit and strawberry flavors. The tannin structure can range
from light and smooth to more pronounced and firm depending on the climate in
which it is grown. Grenache is a wonderful and versatile varietal all on it’s
own, but its claim to fame is its use as one of the fundamental grapes in the
highly regarded French Rhone blend Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
Here are capsule reviews of Grenache wines you may find
along the Wine Road.
Armida 2021 GrenacheChalone Vineyard, Chalone
The 2021 Armida Grenache from Chalone Vineyard is an
aromatic delight with black cherry, strawberry pie and a pleasing spicy, meaty
note akin to that of Slim Jim on the nose. On the palate sugarplum and ripe strawberry
flavors are boosted with a hint of acidity in the guise of red apple skin.
Smooth and diffuse tannins bring the bright red fruit flavors along with savory
fig to a soft and satisfying crescendo. Pair with spicy pork dumplings.
ABV 14.3%
$48
CAST 2020 Grenache AnaxVineyard, Dry Creek Valley
The CAST 2020 Grenache from Anax Vineyard in Dry Creek
Valley is perfumed with candied plums, lavender, violet and cherry vanilla with
a base note of dried strawberry wafting to the fore. In the glass it shines with bright notes of
strawberry, licorice, and orange peel. Secondary notes of spice and smoked meat
evolve as it opens. Great texture and body with soft sandy tannins and a pop of
bright acidity that gives it balance and bounce. Pair with spicy pomegranate
roasted carrots and lentils with Tahini dressing.
ABV 13.4%
$48
David Coffaro 2021Grenache, Dry Creek Valley
The David Coffaro 2021 Grenache form Dry Creek Valley is
like stepping into a floral shop that also sells confectionaries. It has a
wonderful scent of spun sugar, raspberry jam, lavender, black cherry and warm
vanilla. On the palate flavors are equal parts juicy and savory with notes of
bright juniper, strawberry, spicy Mexican chocolate, cinnamon, and fig newton.
Complex and delicious with a long dry finish. Pair with classic pork roast.
ABV 15.1%
$ 35 --for 2020
Colagrossi 2021Grenache, Moon Mountain District, Sonoma
The Colagrossi 2021 Grenache from Moon Mountain District,
Sonoma is a veritable moon shot to the heart of flavor. On the nose an enticing
scent of sandalwood with savory notes of blueberry pie, black tea, and a touch
of white pepper. On the palate notes of Mexican chocolate, warm fig newton,
rhubarb, and nutmeg. Nice overall balance and texture with great length of
finish. Pair with a hearty Moroccan lamb stew.
ABV 14.6%
$
Jeff Cohn Cellars,2018 Grenache, El Diablo Vineyard, Russian River Valley
The Jeff Cohn Cellars 2018 Grenache from El Diablo Vineyard
in Russian River Valley gives me all the feels. The distinct bright scent and
flavor of dried strawberry triggered an immediate sense memory of Capt’n Crunch Crunch Berries, strawberry
flavored cereal from my childhood. Each sip of this Grenache brought me back to
the crunch berries, albeit in a highly elevated form. Additionally, there is a
lovely interplay of herbal notes with rosemary and sage on the nose. On the
palate, bright and juicy notes of pomegranate, blueberry, red plum and candied
red grapefruit. Lush yet balanced with a long and satisfying finish. Pair with
a nostalgic food from your childhood.
ABV 15%
$50
Mounts 2019 Grenache,Estate Grown, Dry Creek Valley
The Mounts 2019 Grenache from Dry Creek Valley unfolds in
the glass with scents of Herbs de Provence, dusty cedar-sage, mocha and dried
strawberry. On the palate a rich and
luxurious mouth feel with flavors of blackberry, chocolate cherry cordial and
something quite exotic that reminds me of a cinnabar chanterelle – with a
bright fruity, and orange peel notes. This is an elegant and compelling
Grenache with loose knit sandy tannins that carry it all to the finish with
grace. Pair with Liberty duck with cherry sauce.
ABV 15.8%
$44
Peterson 2017 GSM,Dry Creek Valley, Estate Grown
The Peterson Winery 2017 GSM, Dry Creek Valley is a blend of
50% Grenache, 33% Syrah and 17% Mourvedre. On the cork you will notice a
promise to the drinker with the words: nullus
mortuus vina — which translates as no
soulless wine—and this Grenache makes good on that promise. The nose is
warm and spicy with scents of black cherry, blueberry, blackberry pie and chaparral
aka garrigue. On the palate, a plush mouthfeel, with rich flavors of raspberry,
dried strawberry, sweet tobacco and recurrence of the chaparral note that
presents to my palate as spicy pickle juice, which I quite liked! It has a
wonderful complexity but remains approachable with balanced tannin, acidity and
fruit. Pair with grilled pork chops and mango chutney.
ABV 14.7%
$39
