Grenache

This grape variety is argued by some to be the second most planted grape in the world, and is the most planted red grape in Spain, under the local name Garnacha. In France, most Grenache comes from the Rhone region, and it is widespread in California and Australia as well. There is also a white version of this grape - Grenache Blanc, although this is far less popular.

As a stand-alone varietal, Grenache wines tend to be a pale red colour with a sweet flavour. However, they are most often used as a backbone of red blends, to fill out and soften harsher partners, such as Syrah/Shiraz and Carignan. They are also a key ingredient in Spanish Rioja, where blending with Tempranillo creates a robust, hearty red.

In the New World, Australia has widespread plantings of Grenache and has been very successful making full-bodied Grenache-dominated red blends. Until it was recently supplanted by Merlot, Grenache was the third most planted red variety in California (after Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon), and is used to produce rosés and cheap red wines.

Grenache features among no fewer than 13 permitted grape varieties in the southern Rhone Valley's most famous wine, Chateauneuf-du-Pape - a complex, sweet-fruited red with a herby finish.