Grenache Blanc

Grenache Blanc("gruh-nash BLAHN")

Grenache Blanc or also know as Garnacha Blanca in Spain is the light skinned mutation of the red varietal, Grenache(Garnacha in Spain). Although it is native to northeastern Spain, Grenache Blanc is best known for its role in southern French white wines and in particular as a member of the Côtes du Rhône and Châteauneuf-du-Pape blends. Grenache blanc is able to hold on it's own as a single varietal wine, but is usually blended with other varieties such as Roussanne, Marsanne, & other Rhône style varieties. In Spain it's founded in the fantastic destinations of Navarra, Terra Alta, Alella, Rioja Costers del Segre, Tarragona, Aragón, and Rioja, where it’s called Garnatxa Blanca, as well as in Cariñena, Calatayud, and Somontano; and blended with Viura, Parellada, Moscatel and Malvasia. However, Grenache Blanc is very sensitive to terroir("tear-wah"), so can show extreme variation and extra care is needed to avoid oxidation as well as even reaching high alcohol levels if left unattended.

Grenache Blanc's Flavor Profile

At its best Grenache Blanc is a delicious full-bodied wine that’s typically vinified dry. In the glass, it’s straw-colored amid hints of green and aromas of toasted nuts, cumin, nutmeg, dill, and anise. Fresh underbrush raises to white flowers, yellow peach, pear, lychee, tangerine, and subtle mineral. Its aromatics carry through to its taste, with medium to high alcohol, and can have a creamy texture when aged on its lees.

Food Pairings with Grenache Blanc

Grenache Blanc is pretty versatile so think of: Fresh Green Herbs, green salads, vinegar, asparagus, artichokes, cucumber, tomatoes, tapas, paella, garlic seafood, fried white fish, sushi, sashimi, wasabi, green curry, sweet chili, French onion soup, Moroccan tagine, chicken satay, turkey, and pork.