Welcome to the second in our Wine 103 series, where we continue to explore single varietals that you may see in the store or restaurant. If you haven’t been through Wine 101 or Wine 102 yet, have no fear, you can pick up from the links. If you have a moment, go back and check them out! Today we’ll be talking about Grenache!
Grenache
Grenache is known as both a white and red, but is best known for the stunning reds it can produce. Like Pinot Noir and Sangiovese, Grenache is genetically unstable, and as a result is challenging to make wine out of. When done right though, Grenache makes a killer, rich, full-bodied red wine, with evocative aromas and the unmistakeable smack of preserved cherry. Low tannin wines like Grenache tend to be less textured, and more silky and luxurious. When made poorly, the wines are more simple, with bombastically high alcohol.
Quick Facts on Grenache
Color: Red
Style: Dry
Body: Medium
General Characteristics: Preserved Cherry, Raspberry Sauce, Plum, Spice
Notable Regions: France (Rhône), Spain (Priorat)
Other Names: Garnacha
Honoro Vera Garnacha 2014
Spain produces great values, and Grenache is no exception. Honoro Vera Garnacha 2014 received a 90 point rating, but is it worth it?
Sight: A pretty sort of hot pink across the edges with a muted purple-red core.
Smell: Slightly macerated raspberries and ripe cherries start things off. The nose is a touch hot, but pulls in great blasts of spice, cigar smoke, and black pepper. Touches of leather and dried red fruit make guest appearances as well.
Sip: The start is full of strawberries, and then transitions into raspberries and dried cherries. The body is of medium weight, but rather hot, and full of all sorts of spices and leather. Hints of plum flirt at the edges, and the spices build throughout, increasing in their cigar box like intensity
Savor: The ending has a creamy strawberry texture and flavor with a good amount of ripe cherries and spice box to compliment. Tannins are smooth, but aggressive, and the finish carries on for a long duration, building more dark fruit flavors like blackberries and plums as it goes.
Honoro Vera Garnacha is incredibly well made, and an aggressive form of Grenache that shows the strength the varietal is capable of. The soaring flavors of red fruit mixed with spice create a pungent and satisfying experience. The strength and texture of the tannins begs for food, but also leaves the wine open enough to simple sipping. With all that in mind, Honoro Vera Garnacha is an absolute steal at only $10, and a must try for any red lover.
Verdict: Spice Box, Strawberry, Cherry, Leather
Rating: 89
Price: $10
Calatayud, Spain
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