Grenache back in the spotlight
Alistair Picton-Warlow • August 21, 2021
The rise in popularity of lighter and medium-bodied red wines around the world has seen a resurgence in Australian Grenache in recent years. The versatility of the grape means it is finding favour among consumers as a single varietal wine as well as a crucial component in a range of different styles of red blends and rosé wines. In 2020, James Halliday recognised Yangarra's High Sands Grenache from McLaren Vale as his 2020 Wine of Year. This year in New Zealand we have seen a 33 % increase in the sale of Grenache blends.
Grenache is one of my favourite grape varietals. When I was last in Adelaide I spoke to an interesting winemaker who forecasted the growth of Grenache as an alternative to Pinot Noir. I am excited to see how this develops over the next few years in the New Zealand Market.
Have you tried Grenache? What are your thoughts on it as a varietal?
Fine wine and a bicycle – a match made in heaven, especially when enjoyed in beautiful surroundings with two flutes of bubbles already in your belly. We jest, of course. We would never advocate wobbling and weaving around the vines. We do, however, wholeheartedly encourage responsible exploration of this country’s world-class wine regions on six easy and super-tasty Great Rides.
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