Wine · Grape variety guide
Grape Variety Guide · WSET Level 2
Grenache
A warm-climate workhorse — pale, juicy and high in alcohol, built for blending.
High alcohol
Low tannin
Red berry fruit
Where it grows
- Southern Rhône, France — Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Gigondas — usually blended with Syrah and Mourvèdre ("GSM")
- Priorat & Navarra, Spain — grown as Garnacha, including old-vine examples
- Sardinia, Italy — grown as Cannonau
- Barossa Valley, Australia — prized old-vine plantings
- California, USA — warm-climate blends and varietal bottlings
What it tastes like
- Red berry fruit — strawberry and raspberry — with white pepper and dried-herb (garrigue) notes
- High alcohol, a defining trait of the grape
- Low to medium tannin and medium-low acidity
- Pale to medium ruby colour, even in warm, ripe examples
Growing notes
- Vigorous and drought-resistant, well suited to hot, dry climates
- Buds early but needs real heat to ripen fully
- Thin-skinned, which explains its pale colour and light tannin, and leaves it prone to oxidation
Good to know
In Southern Rhône GSM blends, Grenache is often the largest component by volume even when Syrah or Mourvèdre get more attention — Grenache supplies the fruit and alcohol, while the other two add structure, colour and spice.
Exam tip
Expect a GSM blend question (what each grape contributes) and recognition of old-vine Priorat or Barossa Grenache as a premium, near-varietal style.
Part of the Grape Guide — browse all varieties, or jump back to the study sheet.
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