by Christy Canterbury, MW
In Europe (northeastern Spain and southwestern France), wine producers farm the best terroirs for the ancient and noble Garnacha and Grenache grapes (they are one and the same), to reach the fullest potential of these regions’ terroirs. The farmers and winemakers aim to deliver high quality European wines that exude the terroir expression of each denomination – or appellation, as they call them in France and Spain – countries where this grape was born and where it still reigns in the vineyards today.
Those quality schemed regions are Calatayud, Cariñena, Campo de Borja, Somontano and Terra Alta in Spain. Then, there is the Roussillon in France which includes 15 AOCs (Appellations d’Origine Contrôlée) and 3 IGP: Collioure, Côtes du Roussillon, Côtes du Roussillon les Aspres, Côtes du Roussillon Villages Camarany, Côtes du Roussillon Villages Latour de France, Côtes du Roussillon Villages Lesquerde, Côtes du Roussillon Villages Tautavel, Maury Sec, Rivesaltes, Maury, Banyuls, Banyuls Grand Cru and Muscat de Rivesaltes in Southern France.
Now, about the terroir of Garnacha and Grenache in this Mediterranean-influenced corner of Europe….
HOT, DRY, SUNNY AND WINDY CLIMATES
It’s a match made in heaven! Garnacha/Grenache is perfectly-suited to a European-Mediterranean climate that is hot, dry, sunny and windy.
PREMIUM SOIL TYPES FOR GARNACHA/GRENACHE
The soils of Europe’s Mediterranean basin are ideal for the growth of Garnacha and Grenache.
MAKE THE WORLD BETTER WITH EVERY SIP OF GARNACHA/GRENACHE
For those looking to make the world a better place with every sip – yes, it absolutely can be done! – they can feel confident drinking European quality Garnacha/Grenache wines, made from one the world’s most environmentally-friendly grape varieties.
