W3 Wine School

Garnacha (Spain)

Spanish Garnacha (Garnatxa in Catalan) is the same as French Grenache.

Garnacha Flavors

Cherry
Cherry
Raspberry
Raspberry
Strawberry
Strawberry
Black Cherry
Black
Cherry
Herbs
Herbs
Pepper
Pepper
Anise
Licorice
Plum
Plum

Oak Added Aromas

Vanilla
Vanilla
Cinnamon
Cinnamon
Coffee
Coffee
Tobacco
Tobacco

Garnacha 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).

Garnacha Profile

Garnacha 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
Temperature Sugar: 5 g/l

Serving temperature:
14-15°C (57-59°F)

The Ideal Glass for Garnacha

The Burgundy Glass is for swirling & releasing the wine aromas.

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).

Garnacha Food Pairing

Garnacha wines should be paired with rich flavors.

Garnacha pairs perfectly with rich Stews, Casserolles, Marinated Asian, BBQ and Grilled Meat.

Antipasti
Tapas
Chorizo
Chorizo
Ham
Ham
Pizza
Rich
Pizza
Hamburger
Hamburger
Duck
Duck
Casserolle
Casserolle
Stew
Stew
Pork
Pork
Lamb
Lamb
Deer
Game
Meat
Meat

Grilled and Roasted Meats

The smoky, charred flavors from grilling perfectly complement the ripe fruit and spice notes in the wine.

  • Barbecue Pork Ribs
    The sweet and tangy glaze of BBQ sauce highlights the natural raspberry and cherry flavors of the wine.
  • Grilled Lamb Chops
    Garnacha loves herbs like rosemary and thyme, which are often used to season lamb.
  • Roasted Duck
    The wine's bright acidity cuts right through the rich, delicious fat of the duck.

Hearty Stews and Comfort Food

Because Garnacha has a warm, cozy character, it pairs wonderfully with slow-cooked, deeply savory dishes.

  • Beef Stew
    The wine enhances the rich, savory broth and tender meat.
  • Mushroom Risotto
    Earthy wild mushrooms anchor the fruity and spicy layers of an older, more complex Garnacha.
  • Wood-Fired Meat Lover's Pizza
    The tomato sauce, melted cheese, and savory meat toppings are a perfect match for the wine's high acidity.
  • Paella (Rice dish with Rabbit, Chicken, or Duck).
  • Pollo al Ajillo (Garlic Chicken).
  • Gazpacho (Cold Vegetable Soup).

Spanish Tapas

"What grows together, goes together". Garnacha is the ultimate companion for a traditional Spanish tapas night.

  • Jamon Ibérico & Manchego Cheese
    The salty cured ham and the rich, nutty sheep's milk cheese bring out the wine's fruitiness.
  • Chorizo cooked in red wine
    The spicy, paprika-spiced sausage matches the body and subtle white pepper notes of the grape.
  • Patatas Bravas
    Crisp fried potatoes topped with a spicy tomato sauce pair beautifully with the wine's gentle tannins

Garnacha Cheese Pairing

If You Like Garnacha

You Might Also Like:

Barbera (Italy)
Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo (Italy)
Corvina (Italy)
Dolcetto (Italy)
Frappato (Italy)
Gamay Noir (USA)
Garnacha (Spain)
GSM Wines (France)
Pinot Noir (France)
Teroldego (Italy)
Valpolicella Superiore (Italy)

About Garnacha

Garnacha is one of the most widely planted wine grapes in the world. The grape is called:

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.

The grape ripens late and needs hot and dry conditions (as in Spain and in South of Italy).

Region Aragón

Aragon

Aragón is located in northeastern Spain between Rioja and Catalunya.

The wines from Aragón are similar to those of Rioja but less expensive.

They are generally fresh and fruity and considered to be good Spanish value options.

Red wines dominate the production with focus on Garnacha sometimes blended with Tempranillo or Syrah.

Aragón DO Regions

DO Campo de Borja
DO Calatayud
DO Cariñena
DO Somontano
Vinos DO de Aragón

Black Grapes

Cabernet Sauvignon

53% Garnacha
18% Cariñena
12% Tempranillo

White Grapes

Sauvignon

4% Chardonnay
3% Macabeo


Red Wines

Red Wine

Garnacha

White Wines

White Wine

Macabeo (Viura)
Chardonnay


Soil

Soil

Hilly
Sandstone
Limestone

Climate

Soil

Hot and Dry
Intense Summers
Pyrenees Mountains
Ebro River


Alcohol can be addictive. Always drink in moderation.

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