Wine enthusiasts, welcome to the world of Grenache Blanc! If this grape variety is one of your favorites or if you're curious to learn more about it, you're in the right place. Rooted in the sunny lands of southern France, Grenache Blanc has much more to offer than one might think.
Today,
The history of Grenache Blanc
Just like Grenache Gris, Grenache Blanc is actually a mutation of the Grenache Noir grape variety, a flagship variety in Spain as well as in many appellations of the Southern Rhône Valley or Languedoc-Roussillon.
The origins of Grenache Blanc are also Spanish, more precisely from the provinces of Barcelona and Tarragona, where the grape is known as Garnacha Blanca.
It was introduced to France by the Dukes of Aragon during the Middle Ages. From Roussillon, it later spread to Provence as well as in the Southern Rhône Valley.The Grenache blanc has indeed quickly made a place for itself in the vineyards of southern France thanks to its very good adaptation to local terroirs and the Mediterranean climate.
Starting from 1945, Grenache blanc developed strongly in France. It even covered more than 16 000 hectares by the end of the 1970s. The majority of this area was then located in Roussillon for the production of Vins Doux Naturels (VDN).
However, this type of wine having little success in white, Grenache blanc was heavily uprooted in the following decades. Today, it accounts for only 5 000 hectares in the French territory.For comparison, Chardonnay is planted 10 times more in France! Nevertheless, while the production of Grenache Blanc is much less significant than that of other flagship grape varieties, this variety should not be underestimated! It is indeed capable of expressing very beautiful things in wines when it is cultivated and vinified with care. It indeed possesses very interesting qualities such as its rich aroma, natural indulgence, and pleasant roundness.
The flagship regions of Grenache Blanc But then, where is Grenache Blanc now established? In France, this grape variety is mainly cultivated in Languedoc-Roussillon, the southern Rhône Valley, as well as in Provence. It is also a cornerstone in the blending of white wines from several AOCs in these regions, notably Côtes-du-Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, as well as Banyuls and Maury. Abroad, Grenache Blanc is still well present in its country of origin, Spain, where it plays a significant role in the production of white wines in the regions of Catalonia, Aragon, Navarre, and Rioja.Finally, as it thrives in warm climates, it is also found more marginally in Greece, South Africa, California, and even in Australia.
Grenache Blanc vineyards in Catalonia
Characteristics and wines from Grenache Blanc
Grenache Blanc is a grape variety that continues to amaze with its ability to adapt to different terroirs. The Grenache Blanc vines produce compact clusters, formed of small, round, and juicy berries, whose pale green color evolves into golden hues under the Mediterranean sun.
This ripening under the sun gives the grapes a richness in sugar and an exceptional aromatic concentration, which are directly reflected in the wine.
Grenache blanc wines are distinguished by their bright appearance, generally pale yellow with golden reflections, evoking the warm light of the South. On the palate, they reveal themselves to be rich, creamy and offer an enveloping texture.
This grape variety also has a naturally low acidity as well as a high alcohol potential. The risk for winemakers using Grenache blanc is therefore to produce wines that are sometimes too heady, heavy, and alcoholic.
Aromatically, Grenache blanc unfolds an intense and complex palette.It features delicate aromas of white-fleshed fruits, such as pear and peach, mixed with notes of white flowers like acacia or honeysuckle. Over time, the wines can develop deeper nuances, evoking honey, toasted almonds, or even hints of dried fruits.
Besides dry white wines, Grenache blanc is also used to produce Vins Doux Naturels in Roussillon appellations like Maury or Banyuls. These sweet wines reveal an exceptional aromatic richness, marked by notes of candied fruits and spices, while maintaining a beautiful freshness.
It should be noted that it is rare to produce wines made from 100% Grenache blanc.The grape variety is often expressed in blends, where it can be associated with varieties such as Marsanne , Roussanne , or even Bourboulenc . These combinations allow the final cuvées to achieve better balance and more aromatic complexity.
Dames-Jeannes at Mas Amiel, a common aging process for VDN (Vins Doux Naturels)
What to eat with a Grenache blanc?
Grenache blanc is a true chameleon in the kitchen ! It indeed adapts to a multitude of dishes such as grilled fish or in sauce.
How about, for example, a sea bream fillet with citrus fruits or a grilled sea bass with fennel? These dishes, with their marine notes and lightness, pair wonderfully with the roundness and fruity aromas of Grenache blanc when vinified dry.
For white meat lovers, try a dry Grenache blanc with a roast chicken or guinea fowl ! The grape variety's richness will complement this type of dish divinely well !
Hard cheeses, such as Comté or Gruyère, also pair elegantly with Garnacha blanca, creating a harmonious and flavorful combination.
Finally, the white Grenaches vinified as Vins Doux Naturels like those from AOC Banyuls, Maury, or Rasteau are precious allies to enhance your desserts. Their natural sweetness and intense aromas of candied fruits or honey will indeed add an exquisite final touch to your meals.
Imagine, for example, an apricot tart slightly caramelized where the sweetness of the fruit blends with the gourmet notes of the wine... or even a tarte tatin or a Catalan cream !
From a serving temperature perspective, and to fully enjoy your white Grenache cuvées, it is recommended to serve them at a temperature between 10 and 12°C for dry wines, and slightly cooler for sweet ones, around 8 to 10°C.These temperature ranges will allow the wines to express their full aromatic palette while maintaining a pleasant freshness.
Hard cheese and wine made from Grenache Blanc: a tasty pairing!
The best wines made from Grenache Blanc
At
The Château de Beaucastel is undoubtedly one of the most respected names in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. This historic estate is a true gem of the Rhône Valley, known for its red wines but also for its whites of great elegance. The Grenache blanc thus plays an important role in the complexity of the latter. So, don't hesitate to go for their Châteauneuf-du-Pape blanc !
Not far from there in the same appellation, the Domaine Pierre Usseglio also shines with its expertise.The family vineyard also produces a Châteauneuf-du-Pape where the Grenache blanc brings true depth and a lingering finish.
But let's not stop there ! For those wishing to explore Grenache blanc from another angle, Château Simone in the Provence region is a must-visit.
Nestled within the Palette appellation, this iconic estate produces an exceptional white wine where Grenache blanc, blended with other local grape varieties like Clairette, Ugni blanc, and Bourboulenc, reveals notes of white fruits, flowers, and dried fruits, with a full and silky palate.Masterful!
You are now a connoisseur of Grenache Blanc ! To explore these gems, visit lacave-eclairee.fr. There you will find a carefully curated selection of wines, all chosen for their quality and unique character. Enjoy your tasting!
