It’s been too long since the last Grenache post on this blog… so here you go. This comes from Australia, from a highly regarded artisanal producer and it does not disappoint.
S. C. Pannell Basso Grenache 2017, McLaren Vale
grenache
New wave Priorat – Terroir Històric Negre 2018
Returning to the roots. This Grenache and Carignan blend is made with ancient winemaking techniques, and the result is clearly different from the oaky, heavy interpretations of Priorat most of us are familiar with.
Entry level Priorat Grenache – Scala Dei Garnatxa 2018
Pure Grenache from Priorat. Cheap for the region arguably, but the Rhone offers much better value.
Iconic red from Provance – Chateau Simone Rouge 2012, AOC Palette, Provance
A red that has been on my list for so long. It should be on yours, too. A truly iconic wine of Southern France with a long history and trackrecord (Cellartracker lists 1961 as first vintage).
High alcohol red wines III. – Domaine André Mathieu, la Centenaire Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2016
Hitting 16%, this Chateauneuf du Pape has the highest alcohol in this series. La Centenaire is made entirely from Grenache, which is supposed to handle heat far better than Syrah for example, but to see such alcohol content on the label is not just a bit worrying. Yet this was the winner of the trio (the other two are the El Telar Monastrell and Maccone Primitivo), when it comes to handling alcohol.
The traditional face of Southern Rhone reds: Gigondas La Cave Vacqueyras Beaumirail 2016
Do you like cooperative wines? For me, Gigondas La Cave is just as attractive as producer as many family wineries. Their wines have a personality that I really like and the quality is very reliable.
The affordable South African red I want to drink – Rascallion 45 RPM 2016
South Africa is not my most frequent choice when it comes to reds around 10 Euros. Wines like this could easily change my attitude.
For Grenache lovers – a dry red from Maury, Domaine de l’Arboussa 2015
The more un-fortified Grenaches I try from this traditionally vin doux naturel producing part of France, the more convinced I am that it’s really a special place for the variety. Andrew Jefford is right.
A good Languedoc rosé – Gérard Bertrand Cote des Roses 2018
Fancy bottles does not mean the wine cannot be good. This rosé is a good value too.
Elegant and poised, quite close to Provence in style. While it’s delicate, the texture is somewhat viscous, with the impression of a fuller body. Restrained, pretty aromas of peach and white currant, it’s rather a textural wine. Nuanced and delicious, a nice rosé, highly recommended.
Rating: good, 86 points.
Price: 2500 HUF (Auchan supermarket), or 8-9 Euros.
Value: very good.
Tasted: August, 2019.
Source: I bought it in Auchan.
Drinking window: 2019.
