Let's talk Grenache on International Grenache Day!
Did you know that Grenache has been a cornerstone of Australian winegrowing since the early 19th century?
First planted in 1832, Grenache quickly became a staple in the production of fortified wines, such as Tawny Port. Up until the mid-1900s, it was the most widely planted grape variety in the country. However, as fortified wines fell out of favor, many Grenache vineyards were ripped up and replaced with other popular varietals like Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon.
In recent years, Grenache has made a remarkable comeback. Winemakers are now focusing on crafting high-quality, single varietal Grenache wines and Rhône-style blends, such as GSM (Grenache, Shiraz, Mourvèdre).
The Côte du Rhône region in France is credited with putting Grenache on the global map, making it one of the most widely planted grape varieties in the world. Today, Australia is home to over 1,500 hectares of Grenache, including some of the world’s oldest Grenache vines.
The Vineyard: Nurturing Grenache in Australia
Grenache thrives in hot, dry climates, making it perfectly suited to Australian wine regions like the Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, Ferguson Valley, and Perth Hills. High-quality Grenache grapes are produced when the vines are pruned harshly and dry-grown, which concentrates the flavors and ensures complex, nuanced wines. This method of cultivation is ideal for warm regions, where the vines are often trained in a "goblet" or bush style, allowing them to survive without expensive irrigation systems.
To maintain the quality of the fruit, it’s crucial to carefully manage crop levels in the vineyard. Lower yields lead to more concentrated flavors, producing wines with greater depth and character. If the yield is too high, the wines tend to be more fruit-forward but less complex.
Grenache’s Global Heritage
Grenache has a rich and diverse history. The name "Grenache" is actually the French translation of the Spanish word "Garnacha." While the grape is initially linked to the Aragon region in northern Spain (where the grape was known as Tinto de Aragón), new research suggests that it may have originated on the Mediterranean island of Sardinia, where it is known as "Cannonau."
Over time, Grenache has mutated to create several different varieties. For example, Grenache Blanc is a white grape commonly found in Spain's Priorat region and plays a key role in the production of white Rhône wines. Grenache Gris, on the other hand, is a grayish-pink grape used in southern France to make dessert wines.
Fun fact
A lot of the older Grenache vines are not trellised and instead are known as ‘goblet’ or bush vines. These are vines that are trained in round, squat, tree-like shapes.
This type of training is ideal for warm, dry regions and many winemakers favour goblet vines because vines can survive without expensive irrigation set ups during drought conditions.
What does Grenache taste like?
Grenache is often compared to Pinot Noir due to its medium body, acidity, and tannin levels.
The flavor profile of Grenache is heavily influenced by the climate in which it is grown. Wines from hotter regions tend to have higher alcohol content with rich flavors of cherry and licorice, while those from cooler climates exhibit notes of raspberry, white pepper, and savory herbs like oregano.
Common fruit notes in Grenache wines include strawberry, raspberry, and cherry, while typical savoury notes feature oregano, earth, white pepper, licorice, and spice.
Grenache: A Blending Superstar
While many excellent single varietal Grenache wines exist, the grape is also a key component in Rosé, blends, and fortified wines.
One of Australia's most well-known blends is GSM, which combines Grenache with Shiraz and Mourvèdre. In this blend, Grenache adds aromatic spice, red fruit character, and softens the tannin and acidity.
The GSM blend originated in France's Rhône Valley, and with similar climates in Western and South Australia, these varietals thrive, producing some of the finest wines in the country.
Did you know?
For a wine to be labelled as a single varietal wine, it only needs to contain 85% or more of that grape variety.
The best Grenache food pairings
Grenache is the ultimate wine to enjoy with food because it goes with such a wide range of dishes. Whether you’re enjoying charcuterie, soft cheeses, grilled meats, or lightly spiced dishes, Grenache is sure to complement your meal. It even pairs well with meatier fish like tuna and don’t forget about your favourite pasta dishes too –bellissimo.
Millbrook 2023 Regional GSM
The Millbrook Regional GSM is one of our most popular red wines and consistently sells out every year.
This wine won a Best Value Trophy at the Sydney Royal Wine Show 2023 and the Royal Queensland Wine Awards 2024 the Regional GSM is one of Australia's best value red wines.
This blend has supple, fine tannins and notes of raspberry, violets, aniseed, plum jam and blackberry that mingle on the palate to produce a juicy, mouth-filling wine bursting with flavour and spice. "The 2022 Millbrook GSM is all I could hope for with this wine – approachability, affordability and a joyous drinking experience," says Emma.
"Intense perfumes of red berry and light spice with a hint of African violet open things on the nose. It’s what you expect from this classic combination from Geographe. Smooth and seamlessly woven integrated palate with the supple fruit supported by fine chalky tannins and just the lightest touch of oak."
- 93 Points, Ray Jordan WA Wine Guide 2025