World Famous Grapes
Cannonau
Grenache in France
In France, Grenache is the key ingredient in:
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
and GSM blends.
It is also the most planted grape variety in Languedoc-Roussillon.
Best known areas/regions:
Côte du Rhône AOC (Rôhne)
Côte du Rhône Villages AOC (Rôhne Villages)
Côte du Rhône Cru (Rôhne Crus)
Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC (Biggest Rôhne Cru)
Luberon AOC (South East Rôhne)
Minervos AOC (Languedoc-Roussillon)
Cannonau in Italy
In Italy, Grenache is most commonly found in Sardinia under the name Cannonau.
"Cannonau di Sardegna DOC" must contain at least 90% local Cannonau.
Best known areas/regions:
Subzones of Cannonau di Sardegna DOC:
- Nepente di Oliena
- Jerzu
- Capo Ferrato
Cannonau is also grown elsewhere in Italy under the names: Alicante, Tocai Rosso, Granaccia, and Vernaccia Nera.
Grenache in Australia
Best known areas/regions:
Barossa Valley
McLaren Vale
About Cannonau
Cannonau is one of the most widely planted wine grapes in the world. The grape is called:
- Garnacha in Spain
- Grenache in France
- Cannonau in Italy (Sardinia).
About Garnacha
Garnacha is said to be native of Aragón in Spain.
From Spain it travelled to Languedoc-Roussillon in France, then to the Rhône Valley, and then finally to Sardinia in Italy.
Garnacha ripens late and needs hot and dry conditions (as in Spain and in South Italy).
Garnacha in Spain
Garnacha is the second most planted red grape in Spain (after Tempranillo). It is known for producing a range of wine styles from light and fruity to rich and complex. Its ability to thrive in hot and dry climates, makes it a key player in Spanish viticulture.
Garnacha adapts well to various soil types, including rocky, sandy, and clay-limestone soils. In regions like Priorat, the slate soils contribute to the grape's unique mineral character.
Garnacha wines are food-friendly, suitable for various pairings, and some have excellent aging potential.
While many Garnacha wines are enjoyed young to appreciate their fresh and fruity qualities, those from regions like Priorat or old vine Garnacha in Aragón, can benefit from aging, developing greater complexity and depth over time.
The most significant producing areas are Aragón, where you find the vast majority of old-vine Garnacha planted in Spain.
Influenced by the mountain chain of the Pyrenees, Aragon is a land of extremes with differents terroirs, elevations (400 to 800m) and climates resulting in different expressions of Garnacha.
Best known areas/regions:
DO Campo de Borja (Aragón)
DO Sormontano (Aragón)
DO Calatyud (Aragón)
DO Priorat (Catalunya)
Navarra DO
Rioja DO
Garnacha Rosé
Garnatcha's high sugar content and red fruit flavors make it an excellent choice for rosé wines.
Navarra Rosado DO, made from 100% Garnacha grapes, is regarded as one of the best rosé wines in the world.
Cannonau Flavors
 Cherry |
 Raspberry |
 Strawberry |
 Black Cherry |
 Herbs |
 Pepper |
 Licorice |
 Plum |
Oak Added Aromas
 Vanilla |
 Cinnamon |
 Coffee |
 Tobacco |
Cannonau is known for its aromatic intensity of ripe red fruits such as cherry, raspberry, and strawberry, complemented by hint of spices and earthy undertones.
Depending on terroir and winemaking, additional aromas can include pepper, licorice (anise), and herbs (thyme and rosemary).
Cannonau Profile
Cannonau has medium acidity and smooth tannins:
The wines can range from light and fruity to full-bodied and robust, with a smooth texture and moderate acidity. High alcohol content is common due to the grape's ability to accumulate sugar.
| SUGAR: | Dry (3 g/l) |
| BODY: | Medium - Light |
| TANNINS: | Medium |
| FRUIT: | Medium |
| ACIDITY: | Medium |
| ALCOHOL: | 15% ABV |
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Sugar: 5 g/l Serving temperature: 14-15°C (57-59°F) |
Cannonau Food Pairing
Cannonau wines should be paired with rich flavors.
Cannonau pairs perfectly with rich Stews, Casserolle, Marinated Asian, BBQ and Grilled Meat.
 Tapas |
 Salami |
 Ham |
 Rich Pizza |
 Hamburger |
 Duck |
 Casserolle |
 Stew |
 Pork |
 Lamb |
 Game |
 Meat |
Excellent Pairings
Rich Pizza. Hamburger. Stews. Casserolle. Goulash. Sausages. Pepper Sauce. Asian Marinated Dishes. Lamb. Lamb Shanks. Game in Cherry Sauce. Roast. BBQ. Pork. Game. Duck. Roasted Duck with Plum.
Cheeses
Manchego. Cheddar. Gouda (Smoked). Pecorino. Asiago.
Spanish Specialities:
Tapas. Chorizo (Spicy Pork Sausage).
Gazpacho (Cold Vegetable Soup).
Pollo al Ajillo (Garlic Chicken).
Paella (Rice dish with Rabbit, Chicken, or Duck).
French Specialities:
Oxtail Bourguignonne.
Confit de Canard (Duck Confit).
The Ideal Glass for Cannonau
Pick a Burgundy Glass for swirling & releasing the wine aromas.
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The shape of the glass captures and directs the delicate aromas to your nose and leads the wine to the tip of your tongue for a better reception of the tastes. The Burgundy glass was designed for the delicate and aromatic red wine Bourgogne Rouge, made from Pinot Noir grapes in Bougogne (Burgundy). |