Wine with Leslie: Grenache falls under the radar despite being one of the most planted grapes
Grenache is the main grape in Châteauneuf-du-Pape (sometimes 100%, often over 80%) and in all those tasty, fashionable Provence osés in the pretty bottles such as Miraval, Whispering Angel and Minutey.
Our chaotic, wet and cold weather in recent weeks has had me seeking out southern warmth, mainly in the form of Grenache. Grenache remains a little under the radar despite its massive importance as one of the world’s most planted grape varieties.
In the 1990s, when I first got interested in wine, it was the world’s most planted red grape (since superceded by Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot).
Grenache plantings may have reduced a little in recent years but it is still the primary grape in Côtes-du-Rhône, Provence and much of Southern France.
Grenache is the main grape in Châteauneuf-du-Pape (sometimes 100%, often over 80%) and in all those tasty, fashionable Provence osés in the pretty bottles such as Miraval, Whispering Angel and Minutey.
In Spain, it is found all over but is particularly important in Priorat, Montsant and in many of the best wines of Catalonia and Aragon. In Rioja Oriental, it is more important than Tempranillo and in Rioja Alta and Alavesa it is usually part of the blend.
In Sardinia, it is known as Cannonau and is their most important grape and in McClaren Vale in Australia, it often outclasses Shiraz (for me anyway).
As our climate warms, I predict we will see more Grenache plantings as it thrives in warm, dry conditions, copes well with drought and has good resistance to wood diseases, although it is a little susceptible to mildew and botrytis.
So three Grenache-based wines today, all of which punch above their price point. SuperValu have a Spanish Wine sale on for the next two weeks and you will find more than one Grenache-based wine on offer, the highlight being the Priorat recommended below. Watch also for some pink treats such as the Valdo Paradise Rosé sparkler at €23.
Reduced from €20 in this month’s Spanish Wine Sale in SuperValu. Priorat is a fascinating region but often prohibitively expensive, so this is a great introduction. Garnacha plus some Cariñena (Carignan), ripe blackberry fruits, supple and juicy on the palate with more blackberry and darker fruits coming through and an earthy edge on the finish. Also watch for Purgatori, Costers del Segre, €20.
- SuperValu
Exclusive to Whelehans Wines. Founded in 1794, this fine estate also makes a very solid Châteauneuf-du-Pape (€39) and I also rate their whites.
Pouring a satisfying rich purple colour, dark plum and spice flavours with a wild berry streak, some crunch from the tannins but with balancing fruit and acidity; concentrated, layered and lingering.
- Whelehan Wines, whelehanswines.ie
When we think of Australia, we think of Northern Rhone Syrah-Shiraz, but there is lots of excellent Grenache too. Willunga specialise in the grape and have lots of old bush vines up to 80 years old. Red fruit and sweet plum aromas, integrated tannins, silky and supple but with a streak of freshness. I like to serve this cool.
- O’Briens; 1601; Mitchell and Son; Jus de Vine; wineonline.ie
Gold at the 2025 Irish Whiskey Masters Awards (one of many awards won in 2025).
From a single field (“Railway Line”) of Olympus spring barley, matured on site at Ballindoney Farm Distillery, aged in first-fill Rioja casks with a second longer maturation in Sherry cask.
Fruitcake and tobacco aromas, sweet fruit-forward palate, pepper and savoury notes, complex, lingering, and delicious. Valentine's gift?
- No. 21 Cashel; Celtic Whiskey; James J. Fox; tipperarydistillery.ie
