Great value Grenache Blanc
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Red Grenache may be the more famous of these siblings, but the white variety can produce some pretty tasty wines too...
Known as Grenache Blanc in France, Garnacha Blanca in Spain, and white Grenache in English speaking countries, this relative of the red Grenache grape is a mainstay of white blends in the Rhône Valley and Catalonia.
It brings body and richness to the mix, and flavours can range from saline and citrus to waxy and tropical – depending of course on where it is grown.
Decanter’s Tasting team have picked out some great value examples of Grenache Blanc to introduce you to this wonderful style.
*Note that availability for some of these wines is for a different vintage to that tasted
Grenache Blanc to try
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Credit: Flickr / Josh McFadden
International Grenache Day
Grenache is now gaining a significant following – including its own day of celebration. Sarah Jane Evans MW profiles an
Domaine Lafage, Centenaire, Côtes du Roussillon, Languedoc-Roussillon, France, 2014

A classic blend of Grenache Blanc and Roussanne. Fresh minerality on both nose and palate with an underlying salinity. Tight-knit and stony with a long finish. Youthful.
2014
Languedoc-RoussillonFrance
Domaine LafageCôtes du Roussillon
Bosman Family Vineyards, Fides Grenache Blanc, Wellington, South Africa, 2016

Oz Clarke: Fascinating amber wine; rich, chewy, with the scent and bitterness of tamarind and orange pith, and a dusty roast almond smokiness. Sarah Jane Evans: Burnished colour. Tertiary palate of roasted and toasted flavours, with a tinge of bitter orange zest. Long, Intense finish. Tina Gellie: Clearly an orange wine on the nose: toasted nuts, spice and burnt orange peel. Lean, firm and drying on the palate. An individual style that will divide opinion. Recommended by Sarah Jane Evans MW
2016
WellingtonSouth Africa
Bosman Family Vineyards
Les Dauphins, Réserve Blanc, Côtes du Rhône, Rhône, France, 2015

This is a solid example of a Côtes du Rhône with hints of elderflower cordial and lime. The finish is long and defined with some textural grain like pear flesh that brings structure and cleansing drinkability.
2015
RhôneFrance
Les DauphinsCôtes du Rhône
Jordi Miró, Garnacha Blanca, Terra Alta, Spain, 2016

From a remote north-eastern region, not too far from Priorat, Terra Alta is relatively unknown but is definitely a place to watch as a source of excellent value wines. Predominantly white Grenache with a dash of Macabeo, this is crisp and fruity with ripe apricot and peach and some lemon zest. The palate is complex, textured and rich in flavour, with lean herbal and spicy notes on the finish making it very well suited to rich, spicy dishes.
2016
Terra AltaSpain
Jordi Miró
Xavier, Blanc, Côtes du Rhône, Rhône, France, 2015

There’s some attractive apricot and peach flavours on the mouth, however, it’s certainly not the most elegant. A lovely wine with food, matched with andouillette, served with lentils and caramelised onions.
2015
RhôneFrance
XavierCôtes du Rhône
Sainsbury's, Taste the Difference Côtes du Rhône Blanc, Côtes du Rhône, Rhône, France, 2015

A nice accessible white with floral and stone fruit scents. The palate has some creaminess to it thanks to the Roussanne and Viognier components being barrel aged for a short time. Green apple and pear flavours are joined by some floral notes and stone fruit richness on the finish.
2015
RhôneFrance
Sainsbury'sCôtes du Rhône
Perdeberg Wines, The Underworld Grenache Blanc, Western Cape, South Africa, 2016

Named after the searching roots of the vines, which dig deep into the earth for nutrients. This is a blend of white Grenache from two sites, 70% from older vines for concentration and complexity, and 30% from young vines for freshness and fruit character. It has a waxy character with lime juice, white flowers and a touch of honey in a refreshing style.
2016
Western CapeSouth Africa
Perdeberg Wines

Content written and compiled by the Decanter Team