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Grenache Groupies

We’ve already seen that Grenache is a versatile grape, even when made as a single varietal. It’s such a popular grape that others want to get in on the act, to get a piece of the action – they’re the Grenache Groupies! The chief conspirators are:

Syrah – darling of the Northern Rhône, Australia (where it’s known as Shiraz) and further afield
Mourvèdre – originally from Spain, also known variously as Monstrell, Alicante and Mataro
Carignan – known in Spanish as Cariñena, originated in the town of the same name. Was the source of much bulk wine but now regaining respect when grown with low yields
Cinsault – likes the sun, adds softness and perfume to blends. Parent of South Africa’s Pinotage and an important part of Lebanon’s iconic Château Musar.

Grenache8Domaine Auriol Belles du Sud Marsanne/Roussanne VDP Méditerranée 2014 (€10.99, SuperValu)
12.5%, 0% Grenache, 60% Marsanne, 40% Roussanne

OK, it’s a fair cop, this is something of an interloper! However, at DNS it is tradition to have a bottle of something open as soon as the first person arrives, known as the “early bird” (the bottle not the person). This blend of two key white Rhône Valley grapes did an admirable job – it’s fresh and appealing with peach and apricot. Great value too.

Grenache9M&S Ogier d’Ampuis “Temps est venu” Côtes du Rhône 2013 (€21.55, winestore.ie, 64 Wine, Jus de Vine, Drink Store, Green Man Wines)
14.0%, 80% Grenache, 20% Syrah

Based in the very well-regarded village of Ampuis in the Northern upmarket Rhône’s Côte Rôtie, this family enterprise is now run by Stéphane Ogier. This bottling is tagged as a mere Côtes du Rhône yet has far more concentration and intensity that you would expect from that appellation. The price is in line with the quality but some people struggled to look past the label. However, I encourage you to do so, and to enjoy the black fruits and spice that it offers.

Grenache4Domaine Borie de Maurel “La Feline” Minervois La Livinère 2011 (€21.99, O’Briens)
14.0%, 64% Syrah, 32% Grenache, 4% Carignan

The ornate packaging implies considerable history, which the area has in general (the Romans tended vines down here in the Languedoc), but the appellation and Domaine are relatively new. Sailing fanatic Michel Escande decided to become a landlubber in 1989 when he bought the original five hectares of the estate in the Minervois appellation. Ten years later the superior quality of the area around the village of La Livinère was recognised with its own appellation. With Syrah dominant in the blend this stood out from the other reds in the tasting; lots of pepper and spice, savoury black olive plus black fruit. It opened up considerably after time in the glass and developed complex aromas.

Grenache11Simone Joseph “La Vigne Courbée” Beaumes de Venise (€17.95, winestore.ie, 64 Wine, Jus de Vine, Drink Store, Green Man Wine)
14.5%, 80% Grenache, 20% Syrah

Beaumes de Venises is home to a well-known fortified Muscat, but also produces dry red blends in the traditional style of the Southern Rhône. Being named a “Crooked Vine” implies to wine geeks like me that the vineyards are quite old (which is a good thing). The wine itself shows remarkable concentration and balance, it was narrowly pipped as wine of the evening despite being relatively inexpensive.

Grenache5Cellier Des Princes Gigondas 2012 (€20.99, Molloys Liquor Stores)
14.5%, 80% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 5% Mourvèdre, 5% Cinsault

Gigondas is usually regarded as being second behind Châteauneuf du Pape in the unofficial rankings of the southern Rhône, but being less famous means you’re likely to get better quality for the same money. This proves to be the case here, lots of sweet red and black fruit, with a dash of spice and vanilla. The embossed bottle shouts class, which the wine inside lives up to.

Grenache6Kilikannon “Killerman’s Run” Clare Valley 2013 (€27.79, jnwine.com)
14.5%, 51% Grenache, 39% Shiraz (Syrah), 10% Mataro (Mourvèdre)

As you can see from the blend information, this has not one but two different grape synonyms, that’s just the Aussie way, they’ll call a wine whatever they bloody want! The Clare Valley is well North of Adelaide and is famous for the dry Rieslings grown in its relatively cool microclimate. Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz also do well here, though GSM blends are something of a rarity. The cooler climate shows on the palate as the wine is fruity but not as “in your face” as some Aussie wines. A big hit with the DNS panel.

ARTICLE BY FRANKLY WINES

EGL3zLiy_400x400Frankie caught the wine bug living in France in the 90s and has been sharing his love of wine ever since. He also writes for his own blog Frankly Wines and Glass Of Bubbly magazine and runs private wine tasting events.

Blog – frankstero.com
Twitter – twitter.com/frankstero

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