Garnacha, Grenache, let’s call the whole thing off!
Just kidding, don’t ever call off Grenache. It’s truly one of the most versatile grape families both in terms of colors and styles. And if you didn’t know already, Grenache Noir from France and red Garnacha in Spain are the same grape. In fact, the origins of the grape are pretty fuzzy (not hairy, that’s a specific mutation). Grenache originates in northeastern Spain in Aragon, or is it really from the Roussillon region of France? Despite some debate about exactly where the grape was born, the origins of Grenache are surely located in this part of the world.
When exploring the versatility of Grenache, you may uncover all sorts of different mutations using the Grenache or Garnacha name. Of course, there is Grenache Noir, Grenache Blanc, Grenache Gris, and hairy Grenache (Garnacha Peluda or Lledoner Pelut). Styles of Grenache vary too. Around this area, there is rosé-style Grenache, sparkling blanc de noirs Garnacha Cava, and sweet fortified Grenache made in regions such as Banyuls and Maury, amongst others.
Some may argue that one of the most underrated wines in the world is the Rancio Sec style of wine made with Grenache. This is a completely dry wine that some compare to dry, oxidative Sherry. “Rancio” refers to the wine’s aging, which takes place over a minimum of five years in partially filled barrels, or in glass demijohns, creating an oxidatively aged wine that expresses complex and alluring tertiary and nutty flavors. A wine that is perfect for those who also love the great Sherries of the world.
And if all of this is making you excited about this incredible grape and its mutations and styles, don’t forget to celebrate International Grenache (Garnacha) Day on the third Friday of September each year. Or really, celebrate whenever you want with a bottle of…
Alto Moncayo Garnacha 2020
This beautiful wine may actually be from the particular region where this grape is originally from. Alto Moncayo Garnacha is made in the Spanish D.O. Campo de Borja in the northwest of the province of Zaragoza. This is a high-altitude region where nearby mountains largely influence the dry, arid terroir, and the vineyards rarely experience disease. The vines for this particular wine are 40-70 years old.
Alto Moncayo Garnacha is 100% Garnacha fermented in stainless steel and aged for 20 months before bottling in French and American oak.
The color of the wine is an inky red/black. Aromas of delicious black cherry, strawberry, anise, and pepper greet you on the nose. And on the palate, it gets better and better with each sip. Flavors of ripe black cherries and plums, and spicy baking spices in a full-bodied, velvety texture coat your mouth. Rich, ripe, and full of character, this bottle pairs perfectly with spiced meat like pork, beef, or hearty cheeses.
With an alcohol level of around 16%, you want to enjoy this bottle with a great meal and share it with friends. Besides, Garnacha rarely, if ever, disappoints, making it the ideal wine for gracious hosts to pour at any dinner party.
You can grab this bottle at Happy Wine in the Grove for $45.99, or dine in and enjoy it with some Spanish tapas for $65.99.
For more Wine of the Week suggestions, visit our Wine page on Wine Guide Miami.
Jacqueline is a professional wine + travel writer, radio host, wine columnist, and consultant based in Miami, FL.
She is the monthly “Vino” columnist for Biscayne Times newspaper, a guest host covering the drinks segment on Linda Gassenheimer’s podcast show, “Food, News, and Views,” and Star Wine List’s Miami Ambassador.
Jacqueline is a Certified Sherry Wine Specialist & WSET 3.
