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Grenache Blanc |
Native to northeast Spain, Grenache Blanc is planted throughout the French and Spanish Mediterranean basin, most prevalently on either side of the Pyrenees. Though the vine’s acreage in the two countries is roughly the same, it is France’s third most important white variety but only Spain’s ninth.
The Grenache Blanc vine is hardy, easily-cultivated, vigorous and resistant to coulure, or the failure of the flowers to develop into berries. It thrives in hot, arid, windy conditions on rocky soils but in this environment is threatened by a naturally low acidity. When yield is intelligently restricted, the fruit offers abundant fruit extract and alcohol but oxidizes easily. Properly vinified at low temperatures and without malolactic fermentation, it yields an attractive, fleshy, generously fruity wine with a fragrance of flowers and dill.
In both the French D.O.C. and Spanish D.O. appellations where it is present, Grenache Blanc is part of a blend with other grape varieties. In France, it contributes significantly to white Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Côtes-du-Rhône, and to a minor extent in the red versions of these wines and Tavel Rosé. In Spain, it is an important component of the white wines of Navarra and Aragón and also contributes to the blends of Priorato and Alella. Some producers are experimenting with Grenache Blanc on its own under table wine designations, with respectable results. |
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Alternate Names: Garnaxta, Silla Blanc |
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See Also: Bourboulenc Clairette Grenache Noir Roussanne |
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