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.