News
February 13, 2025
Grenache is the Rhône Valley's most emblematic grape variety, dominating the blends of the southern Côtes du Rhône.
Origin and history of Grenache
Originating in Spain, and more precisely in Aragon, where it is known as Garnacha, Grenache gradually spread throughout Europe from the Middle Ages onwards. It first established itself in Catalonia, before crossing the Pyrenees to Languedoc, the Rhone Valley and Provence. Its expansion was favored by its resistance to arid climates and its excellent ability to adapt to poor soils. Today, it is one of the most widely grown grape varieties in the world, occupying a central place in many appellations in the south of France.
It's a vigorous variety, with compact, generous bunches of fine-skinned, blue-black berries. Its dense foliage is characterized by large, sharply lobed leaves. At veraison, the berries turn from green to deep purple, marking the start of a ripening process that gives the grape its rich aroma. Drought-resistant, Grenache is a true survivor of arid terroirs, thriving in poor soils where it draws its intensity.
This late-ripening variety produces generous, silky-textured wines with luscious aromas of ripe red fruits, spices and sometimes cocoa. In the Côtes du Rhône appellation area, it lends roundness, fullness and warmth, often balanced by Syrah and Mourvèdre for structure and freshness. Its fine tannins and low acidity make it a grape appreciated for its suppleness and sunny expression.
The contribution of Grenache less Appellations des Côtes du Rhône du Domaine Tourbillon
Châteauneuf-du-Pape Rouge Vieilles Vignes sur Sable
In the sandy terroirs of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Grenache expresses itself with remarkable finesse and aromatic purity. The old vines planted on these poor, draining soils produce elegant, delicate wines of great suavity. Tannins are particularly silky, and aromas of cherry, garrigue and sweet spices develop with intensity. Despite their concentration, these wines are very drinkable.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes on Urgonian limestone
On limestone terroirs rich in Urgonian rock, Grenache acquires a more assertive structure and additional depth. The minerality of the soil gives the wines a beautiful tension, balancing the natural richness of the grape variety. These wines have greater longevity, with more present tannins, a complex aromatic palette combining black fruits, Mediterranean herbs and a chalky touch that gives them a unique character.
Gigondas
In Gigondas, Grenache flourishes on a variety of soils combining marl, saffron and limestone, at higher altitudes than in the Rhone plain. The result is powerful, structured wines of great aromatic intensity. Grenache develops notes of ripe black fruit, licorice and spices, supported by firm tannins that ensure good ageing potential. Its combination with Syrah and Mourvèdre enhances its complexity and longevity. In this appellation, Grenache must make up at least 50% of the blend.
Plan de Dieu
The Plan de Dieu terroir, composed mainly of rolled pebbles on red clay, gives Grenache a marked richness and power. Wines from this terroir are opulent, fleshy and warm, with notes of black fruit, prune and toasted spices. The old vines offer exceptional concentration, producing deep, generous wines with exceptional juiciness. Grenache must account for at least 50% of the blend.
Côtes du Rhône
In the generic Côtes du Rhône appellation, Grenache is the flagship grape variety, giving the wines their sunny, fruity character. It produces accessible, gourmand and supple wines, marked by aromas of strawberry, cherry and a touch of sweet pepper. Blending with Syrah and Carignan adds freshness and structure, making these wines pleasant to drink young, yet well-balanced. Grenache must account for at least 50% of the blend for red Côtes du Rhône.
Conclusion
Grenache is unquestionably the king of southern Côtes du Rhône grapes. Its expression varies according to terroir, revealing in turn finesse, power, elegance or opulence. Whether on the fine sands of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the Urgonian limestone, the relief of Gigondas or the clay soils of Plan de Dieu, it gives wines a unique, inimitable personality, contributing to the richness and diversity of Rhône Valley wines.
