Grenache, Garnacha, Tinto Aragonés (not to be confused with Aragonez), Cannonau. These are all names for the same wonderful grape. Born in Aragon in northeast Spain, Garnacha has flavors of strawberry, raspberry and white pepper in its youth with leather and tar adding to the complexity as it ages. It has become quite famous in the red wines of Priorat and rosados of Rioja. It is also allowed to be blended into Cava. Bubbles, anyone?
Travel across the Pyranees, and you will find Grenache is king of the south of France where it is often blended with varying amounts of Syrah and Mouvedre, to name a few. Grenache is also the star of Provence rosé and the sweet, fortified wines of Banyuls.
Did you know Grenache grows in multiple colors? Grenache Noir, the red variety, is the most well-known while Grenache Blanc is rising in popularity. Grenache Gris is not very widely planted but is quite beloved. No matter your preferred wine style, Grenache has a wine for you. No wonder it has its own day to celebrate its diversity! Grenache Day is celebrated annually on the third Friday of September so get your glasses ready.
Don’t forget that we also sell wine accessories. We stock wine glasses, corkscrews, aerators, decanters, sangria pitchers, and wine glass charms. Ice buckets are just $1.99 with the purchase of sparkling! Buying a last minute gift bottle of wine on your way to a party? We have gift bags with tissue paper for just 99¢!
A fresh batch of locally grown padron peppers has arrived! These mild peppers will pair with just about any style of Grenache. If serving your peppers with seafood, we suggest adding some fresh grated lemon zest just before serving to complete the meal.
Recaredo Intens Rosat Brut Nature Gran Reserva 2013 ($40.00) You don’t need a reason to celebrate in order to break out the bubbles, but Grenache Day does provide an excellent excuse! A blend of Garnacha, Monastrell (Mourvedre) and Pinot Noir, the wine was aged on the lees in bottle for 43 months. The vineyards are certified organic and biodynamic. Recaredo is truly a leader in Cava production! We have a bottle chilled and ready to go in our refrigerator case.
Bodegas Muga Rosado 2018 ($16.99) The sun has not set on Seattle just yet so break out the pink wine! With 60% Garnacha, 30% Viura and 10% Tempranillo, this wine is rich and round. The ripe berry notes and minerality are the perfect complement to one last warm afternoon picnic alongside fresh fruit and cheese.
Black Slate Porrera 2016 ($18.99) 60% Garnacha and 40% Carignan. The latest vintage is in, and it is stellar! “Thrilling blue fruits, tar, rose petals, and a smoky, marine, iodine-like character all emerge from this full-bodied effort that opens up nicely with time in the glass. Tasting like it cost three times the price, it picks up more minerality with time in the glass, has beautiful balance, and great purity of fruit.” 94 Points Jeb Dunnuck
Domaine Fontsainte Gris de Gris Rosé ($16.99) A unique rosé of 90% Grenache Gris, it is bright and crisp, bursting of juicy citrus and orange blossom with a finely etched mineral finish. We have magnums available if you’re planning to share with friends. Pair with one of many seafood rillettes we stock.
Brotte Esprit Barville Cotes du Rhone 2016 ($12.99) This Wine Enthusiast Best Buy is a sumptuous red from a blend of Grenache and Syrah. Aged in concrete tank and neutral oak barrels for 8 months. Aromatic, powerful, round, and finely balanced. It is “elegantly perfumed, structured wine has savory nuances of herb and toast. Concentrated but restrained, suggesting bright blackberries and black plums, crisp acidity and fine tannins.”