Grenache Day goes global

Wine trade figures from across the world will be hosting events to celebrate the second International Grenache Day this Friday, 23 September.

The event emerged from last year’s inaugural Grenache Symposium, which saw 250 delegates from 23 countries gather in the Rhône to draw up a blueprint for boosting the profile of the world’s most widely planted red grape variety.

Some of the world’s most high profile Grenache producers are supporting this year’s event, including d’Arenberg, Torbreck, Turkey Flat and Henschke in Australia, Planeta in Sicily, Terroir Al Limit in Priorat, and Paul Jaboulet Ainé in the Rhône.

In South Africa, Michael Fridjhon will hold a nationwide Grenache treasure hunt and Inter Rhône is hosting an “Apero Grenache” party at the Maisons des Vins in Avignon. In Spain, the newly formed Viticultor’s Asociación of Garnacha producers from the Gredos mountains will be celebrating with a tasting of the region’s old vine Garnacha.

The National Wine Centre of Australia in Adelaide will host a tasting of wines from the McLaren Vale’s Grenache-centric Cadenzia project; while the Barossa Grape and Wine Association has put together a tasting of the region’s current Grenache releases.

In the US, a panel including Rhone Ranger pioneer John Alban will discuss Grenache as part of the Big Sur Wine and Food Festival in California. Meanwhile in Charlotte, North Carolina, Banyuls producer La Tour Vieille has teamed up with importer Kermit Lynch to host an event.

International Grenache Day activities will also reach beyond the variety’s main producing countries. The Hong Kong Catalan restaurant, Uno Mas, will be celebrating the event, as will Brazilian importer Vinhos Zahil. In Singapore, wine forum www.enjoywine.sg will host a dinner pairing Grenache with Chinese dishes.

UK wine writer Robert Joseph has compiled a survey to find out how much consumers know about Grenache and their views on the variety. The results will be announced on International Grenache Day.

Nicole Rolet, co-founder of the Grenache Symposium and International Grenache Day, said: “Grenache, Garnacha, Cannonau… no matter how you say it, most people have enjoyed it without knowing it in their glass of rose’, Châteauneuf du Pape and even on its own.

“Growers love it because of its deep-root system, high yields and resistance to drought. Wine connoisseurs appreciate its velvety mouth-feel, and we are hoping everyone will come to know and love it as an exceptional wine to pair with food or on its own!”

A full list of Grenache Day events has been marked up on Google Maps, with participants invited to add details of their own initiatives using the login grenacheday@gmail.com and password gday 2011