Grenache

Welcome to Vine to Wine this is your host Linda Moran. Today we are answering questions from the email. Recently a listener wrote to ask "I am not familiar with a wine called Grenache. What can you tell me about it?" On today's program we'll find out a little about Grenache. Grenache is a grape widely grown throughout the world and it is very interesting. It grows best in very dry areas and is usually quite severely pruned; otherwise, the foliage canopy will cover the grapes far too densely. And that isn't a contributor to fabulous fruit. Grenache is usually blended with other grapes such as Mouvedre or Syrah because they are higher in color and tannin. Grenache has many homes predominantly in France, Spain, and Australia, and is made in many styles from pale dry rose' wines to serious red wines such as Chatueauneuf-du-Pape or Gigondas. When it comes to matching it with food it is a natural with cheeses such as mild cheddar, fontina, gouda and jarlsberg. I have also found that it goes well with foods that I would not have imagined such as the smoky eggplant spread babghanouj and tandoori oven cooked meats as well as Gumbo and Jambalaya. And then, fabulous with lamb, filet mignon, and stewed rabbit. Grenache will range from moderately priced to very expensive - so if you are going to explore it - ask for some recommendations. Try some from Australia Spain, France, California and Washington just to check out the differences. And thanks for joining me on today's Vine to Wine.