given that Grenache is sometimes described as warm-climate Pinot Noir, I thought that adding it to this thread might be better than starting a new one, and so now to
The Pinot Noir & Grenache Thread
Ahead of
International Grenache Day this Friday, and in light of
recent deals with impressive releases from the
2018 and
2019 vintages, I thought that it might be timely to
finally start a thread make this addendum since first buying and becoming interested in the grape a
few years ago, after being enamoured with
Lino Ramble Gomas 2015
Grenache is perhaps one of the best value and versatile varieties, with wines that can vary between the elegance of pinot noir and the power of shiraz (as a
pinotphile, I of course prefer the former style), and excellent examples can be found at relatively affordable prices
In terms of value and quality, two names that spring straight to mind are
Yangarra and
Head -
2018 Head Old Vine Grenache is probably my current
favourite
Top producers as well include
Ochota Barrels,
Vanguardist,
S.C. Pannell -
Thistledown is a specialist, yet to try
Bekkers or
John Duval
Amongst others, I have also enjoyed those of
Bondar,
Fredrick Stevenson,
Tonic,
Dodgy Bros
Swinney and
Paralian are notable newcomers, the former from Western Australia, but as someone whose experience with Spanish wines has mainly been with
sherry, I am especially looking forward to
Comando G
For lower budgets, perhaps consider
Purple Hands,
Kay Brothers,
Yalumba,
Chapel Hill,
Cirillo, who apparently have the oldest Grenache vineyard in the world
Virtual master class on McLaren Vale Grenache moderated by Sarah Ahmed, with Giles Cooke MW and David Gleave MW as guest speakers.
www.wineaustralia.com
First it was a stalwart of the Australian fortified wine industry, then became an afterthought. Now it has entered the ‘those in the know get it’ stage of its life story, says Chris Losh
imbibe.com
Winemakers in this beloved region are working to create a better relationship between drinkers and a variety that has come of age.
app.gourmettravellerwine.com
Wine reports from the internationally acclaimed wine critic and journalist
www.jamessuckling.com
With six of the brightest wine minds in attendance, and 36 wines carefully selected and decanted for this blind tasting, we set out to get a better image of where the grape currently stands in an Australian context.
younggunofwine.com
Used mainly for blending, producers are now making varietal bottlings that show Australian Grenache's full potential.
www.winemag.com
Like growing grapes on the beach: Yangarra's High Sands vineyard. Courtesy Drinkster Grenache is a wine I rarely order. To me, when it's...
blog.wblakegray.com
Place of Changing Winds 2019 Mailing List Offer
The 2019 vintage marks the first significant release from the Place of Changing Winds vineyard. This was the first time that our vines gave us a robust and balanced canopy and the kind of fruit quality we have been striving for all these years. It was also the first time that we had enough productive vines to produce a little quantity. The yield was still extremely limited, with under 250 grams of fruit per productive vine—roughly half what is permitted in Grand Cru Burgundy and a fraction of what a typical grape vine will produce in Australia. Our average bunch size was also miniscule at around 50 grams. These tiny bunches and berries have produced wines of great intensity but equally, great finesse. The wines are also quite firmly structured, which means they will benefit from aging.
cellardoorchallenge.com
Destiny of Density
