September 15th, 2023 — Say Garnacha!

Garnacha, Garnatxa, Tinto Aragonés, Grenache, Gironet, Lladoner, Roussillon, Cannonau (Cerdeña), Alicante, and Guarnaccia or Tai Rosso, all are synonyms of the same grape variety, you name it: Garnacha!

Grenache, that beloved grape variety known for its versatility and rich flavors, has a history as intriguing as the wines it produces.

Fascinating facts about Grenacha

As we celebrate International Grenache Day on September 15th this year, we’d like to put some light on at least a few of the fascinating facts about this grape variety:

Woman drinking red wine (Photo by Alfonso Scarpa via unsplash.com)

1. A Spanish Legacy:

Grenache is said to originate in Spain, with its roots tracing back to the region of Aragon in northeastern Spain. Esteemed French ampelographers and experts like Pierre Galet, Victor Vermorel, Pierre Viala, and Victor Pulliat have contributed to this theory. It’s worth mentioning that in Spain, the grape variety goes by the names Garnacha or Garnatxa.

2. Italian Intrigue:

Recent claims also suggest Sardinia as a potential birthplace for Grenache, supported by experts like Gianni Lovicu. This argument is bolstered by Sardinia’s historical ties to Spain during its time as a Spanish colony. The grape is known as Cannonau in Sardinia, as you may have heard already. Granaxia, and Tai Rosso (formerly Tocai Rosso) in Veneto, Italy.

3. A Global Journey:

Grenache has travelled far and wide, adapting to different names and environments. In France, it is known as Grenache, while in Roussillon, it initially went by the name Roussillon. This grape even made its way to northern Italy relatively recently, gaining recognition in the 1950s as Tocai Rosso which is no longer in use today though.

4. Language Clues:

The linguistic connection between “Garnacha” and the Italian “Vernaccia” led to speculation about Italian origins. However, DNA analysis has not confirmed this link. Instead, DNA studies suggest genetic ties between Grenache and other Spanish varieties like Airén, Alarije, and Verdejo, strengthening the case for its Spanish heritage.

People drinking red wine (Photo by Khuc Le Thanh Danh via unsplash.com)

5. Historical Mentions:

The earliest documentation of Grenache dates back to around 1513 when the Spanish agronomist Gabriel Alonso de Herrera mentioned a blackberry variety from Madrid as “Aragones.” Meanwhile, in Sardinia’s Cagliari, a variety called “Canonat” appeared in 1549. Weird, no?

Despite the ongoing debate about its exact origins, Grenache has certainly made its mark on the global wine scene. So, as you raise a glass to celebrate International Grenache Day, remember that the mystery surrounding this grape only adds to its allure and charm.

What we at VinoVoss.com do like about that grape variety is its range of styles being charming and spicy at once, offering dense full bodied wines but also light, rounded and fruit forward rosés.

So what are you waiting for? Go and check them out. There is at least one Grenache for everyone’s personal palate if not two, or three…Cheers!

🍇🍷 #GrenacheDay #WineFacts

Lotte Gabrovits