Comments on: Grenache, the ultimate back-up player, breaks out

By: 5 Facts About…Grenache | Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association

5 Facts About…Grenache | Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association — Thu, 27 Sep 2012 00:55:31 +0000

[...] "In the chorus of Rhone varieties, Grenache rarely gets to perform solo… The grape often appeals to winegrowers because of it’s workhorse-like productivity in early years of the life of the vine. But it may appeal to consumers, particularly as the vine ages, because of wines light in tannin that can have a faint sweetness and high degree of alcohol. Even though the day of our tasting was still warm, it strikes me now as an excellent transitional red as the weather has cooled." – Dr. Vino.com [...]

By: Winestore

Winestore — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 22:32:21 +0000

I just wanted to mention that we sell the Gilles Troullier, l’Esprit du Temps at our store (Winestore) in Charlotte, North Carolina for $45 (lowest price in the country). We also carry the Gilles Troullier, Boreal (which is 100% Syrah) for $55 (lowest price in the country).

We do ship so you can visit us on the web @ http://www.winestore-online or call 704-442-4024 to order.

Cheers,
Matthew Hartley

By: Fred McTaggart

Fred McTaggart — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 18:15:37 +0000

As for prices above: Grand Tinel: $20 to $25, Sainte Anne CDR ($8 to $10), CDR Villages ($10 to $12), Notre Dame des Cellettes ($14 to $16).

By: Fred McTaggart

Fred McTaggart — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 18:13:18 +0000

While I’m sure the $65 wine is top notch, I would never pay that when there are so many excellent Grenache-based wines for much less.

My favorites:
Domaine Grand Tinel Chateauneuf du Pape (high percentage of Grenache, the 1990 is drinking quite nicely)

Domaine Sainte Anne CDR and CDR Villages (mix of Grenache and Syrah from 20 to 30 year old vines) and Notre Dame des Cellettes (30 to 50 year old vines harvested by hand bunch by bunch)

No new oak for any of these wines.

By: Brooklynguy

Brooklynguy — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 14:27:41 +0000

Aiy yai yai – I cannot believe I missed this. That white Priorat sounds dreamy.

By: Pat Savoie

Pat Savoie — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 13:26:26 +0000

Tyler: I have seen various references to grape varieties that are the “most widely planted worldwide” so I checked the SOURCE — Jancis Robinsons Oxford Companion to Wine 2006. Airen (a white Spanish grape) is the number #1 variety, then Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache.

By: Fred McTaggart

Fred McTaggart — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 11:55:29 +0000

Good report. I have been drinking wine seriously for about 35 years, and over the past 10 to 15 years Grenache-based wines have become my favorites both for every day drinking and special occasions. Nearly every Australian example of Grenache has been very disappointing–probably because they are from prolific vines under 25 years of age and have been over-oaked. I prefer Grenache without any oak, and yes it can age very well. Although Grenache tends to oxidize rather quickly, it can still develop some lovely complex aromas and flavors. Even a simple Cotes du Rhone usually comes from vines older than 25 years and yields are relatively low by international standards–although that may be changing as American wine writers and importers are having an influence.