Garnacha Tinta has its roots in Spain where it is a vital part of many of the country’s red blends, from low-quality bulk wines to the top bodegas of Rioja and Priorat. Grenache, as it is also known in France, is high in alcohol with moderate acidity, good tannins, and aromas of raspberries, strawberries, cassis and white pepper. It is grown all over southern France, and is central to the famous blends of Gigondas, Vacqueyras and Châteauneuf-du-Pape, where you can also find one of the world’s singular reds, Château Rayas, made of 100% Grenache. On the Gredos Mountains west of Madrid, and in Swartland and California, a new generation of producers has taken inspiration from Rayas and is producing high-quality single varietal fine wines.
