International Grenache Day is celebrated annually on the third Friday of September.
One of the world’s most planted grape varieties, Grenache is widely grown in southern France, Spain (where it is known as Garnacha), the United States and Australia. It ripens late, requiring warm and dry conditions to fully ripen, but is versatile both in the vineyard and winery where it is used to make red wines primarily, but sparkling, white, rosé and fortified wines, too.
Scroll down to see DWWA 2023 awarded wines to try this International Grenache Day
Grenache produces round, fruity, powerful wines, often described as having spicy, herbal, raspberry and black cherry characters. The most concentrated, complex, ageworthy examples tend to come from old-vine Grenache, especially from regions such as Priorat, Chateauneuf-du-Pape and McLaren Vale, home to the oldest productive Grenache vineyards in the world.
This International Grenache Day, to celebrate this deliciously juicy grape variety, we highlight a selection of 100% varietal Grenache wines worth a try from the Decanter World Wine Awards 2023, with top results coming from Australia, Italy and Spain.
Tasted and rated by our expert judges on the basis of typicity, first and foremost, below discover a selection of the highest scoring, with many more to discover on the DWWA results site here.
International Grenache Day: top-scoring wines to try
Australia
Heirloom Vineyards, Alcalá Grenache, McLaren Vale, South Australia 2022
Best in Show, 97 points
A translucent black-purple in colour, this wine has beautiful aromas of sweet, beguiling fruits (strawberry and cherry) without any sticky jamminess; instead those fruits have a fresh, almost perfumed sheen. The wine is dark, vigorous and lively, despite its relatively low acidity; deftly extracted tannins and the innate vigour and tenacity of the fruits deliver that freshness. Fine raw materials and the best of contemporary Australian winemaking come together here. Alcohol 14.5%
Krondorf, Founders View Grenache, Barossa, South Australia 2021
Gold, 95 points
Fresh nose of English strawberries, dark cherries, ripe jammy plums and hints of savoury nuances and spicy oak. Luscious and focused on the palate. Alc 14.5%
S.C. Pannell, Smart Grenache, McLaren Valley, South Australia 2020
Gold, 95 points
Fragrant aromas of bright ripe red berries, with nots of flowers and aromatic herbs. Juicy on the palate, lively and energetic, with an earthy finish. Alc 14%
France
Château Gigognan, Cardinalice, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône 2020
Silver, 93 points
Gorgeous nose, great purity and a lovely floral lift, soft strawberry fruit. Elegant, with finely grained tannins and a long finish. Alc 14%
Domaine Richeaume, Grenache, IGP Méditerranée, Provence 2020
Silver, 92 points
Bright cherry and strawberry aromas, then black cherry on the palate. Lithe tannins for a fresh and an enjoyable finish. Alc 14%
Roubine, Hippy, IGP Méditerranée, Provence 2022 (Rosé)
Silver, 91 points
A little orange to the colour. Fresh and inviting with balance of freshness to the Mediterranean herbal notes. Good finish. Alc 12.5%
Italy
Madrevite, C’osa – Riserva, Colli del Trasimeno, Umbria 2020
Gold, 96 points
Luscious, refined and resplendent with a fountain of ripe red berries and a lick of white pepper; the oak is seamlessly melded into the impressive structure. Alc 14.5%
South Africa
Piekenierskloof, Carel Van Zyl Grenache, Piekenierskloof, Citrusdal Mountain 2020
Silver, 92 points
Expressive aromas of chocolate, strawberry jam, peppery spices and dried herbs. Beautifully balanced and composed, harmonious and well structured. Alc 14.5%
Kleine Zalze, Vineyard Selection Grenache, Coastal Region 2022
Silver, 90 points
Forthcoming strawberry nose with scents of pomegranate. Lovely perfume. Juicy and fruit-driven, with very vibrant acidity. Harmonious and easy drinking. Alc 13.5%
Spain
Cariñena
Bodem Bodegas, Las Margas Los Cerezos Garnacha 2020
Gold, 95 points
Very, very good Garnacha. Pure and pristine, spicy, floral, and very complex with a long, elegant finish. The tannins restrain the fruit, the oak is really well integrated. Bravo. Alc 14%
Bodegas San Valero, Particular Viñas Centenaria Garnacha 2018
Silver, 90 points
Moreish, black fruit and blackcurrant nose; ripe and harmonious with crunchy, ripe, but firm tannins and structure. Great quality. Alc 15%
Tierra De Cubas, Dux Imperial Gran Reserva 2014
Silver, 90 points
Dark fruit, herbal and spicy aromas. The palate brings ripe black fruit and well-managed tannins. Not without some complexity. Alc 14%
Navarra
Finca Albret, La Loma Garnacha 2021
Silver, 93 points
Discreet spice and red fruit aromatics. There’s a freshness and drive on the palate that carries the length. Fine, silky tannin gives a lovely lift. Alc 14%
Bodegas Ochoa, Maitena Organic Garnacha 2020
Silver, 91 points
Delightful nose of dried Mediterranean herbs. Light and elegant on the silky-textured palate, which is wonderfully framed by soft, gentle fruit and refined tannins. Lovely! Alc 13.5%
Bodegas Pagos De Araiz, Blaneo Garnacha 2021
Silver, 91 points
A floral and toasty style with notes of blueberries, raspberry, tobacco, toffee and mulberry. The palate offers lifted acidity and round, grainy tannins. Crying out for food. Alc 15%
Priorat
Costers Del Priorat, Memòries Cal Marcelino NV (Fortified)
Gold, 95 points
Garrigue, butterscotch, toffee, walnut and dried figs. Amazing complexity to the palate which has a salted caramel tone and such a phenomenal, long finish. A very enjoyable style; impeccably turned out. Alc 21%
Rioja
Bodegas Remírez De Ganuza, Iraila Garnacha 2020
Platinum, 97 points
Intensely perfumed with cedar and French oak aromas over refined floral notes and delicate red fruit aromas. It shows some oxidative development that adds complexity. Delicious with plenty of luscious fruit, so smooth and caressing for the palate, long and expressive. Unique. Alc 14.5%
Bodegas Manzanos, 1890 Viñedo Singular 2021
Gold, 96 points
Quite restrained on the nose, opens up little by little with floral and red berry notes, and evidence of oak ageing. It’s deep, and concentrated but smooth and easygoing. Gets even better after some time in the glass. Alc 14%
Wine of Spain
Chateau Amsterdam, Mayor’s Choice Garnacha, Vinos de España 2021
Silver, 90 points
Shy herbal and floral aromas. Bright and vibrant in the mouth with ripe, round tannins, crunchy red fruit and medium, herbal persistence. Alc 13.5%
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