A guide to celebrating Grenache Day

Today is International Grenache Day, which is designed to raise the recognition for what is widely believed to be an underrated grape variety.

Set up by the Grenache Association the goal of today is to increase awareness of this widely-planted grape, which, it says, is the “most adaptable food-pairing wine in the world.”

Grenache Association executive director Marlene Angelloz said: “Grenache is planted all around the world. Each time you enjoy a glass of Cotes-du-Rhone, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, most rosés, Garnacha, or Cannonau you become an honourary member of the International Grenachistas – fans of Grenache.”

The day is being marked with events all over the world from London to San Francisco and from Paris to South Australia. As well as drinking a glass of Grenache the Association wants people to “wear colourful clothing or join pin the conversation on Twitter, #GrenacheDay.”

Grenache Association co-founder Nicole Rolet, producer of Chene Bleu wines, added: “Enthusiasm for the great grape spread further around the world in 2013, as witnessed by the intense interest from Chinese participants at the world’s first masterclass on Grenache at Vinisud in Shanghai.

“The Association is keen to showcase the best practices and most interesting manifestations of this incredibly versatile grape.”

Click through the following pages to find out more about some of the events happening around the world today. Full details can be found on Google Maps.

North America

Canada: The launch of Canada’s first Grenache wine at Stag’s Hollow Winery in British Columbia.

San Francisco’s PickWick Hotel will celebrate Grenache with an invitation to sip and savor the area’s best Grenache and Grenache-based wines at a blind wine tasting; all proceeds to benefit a local non-profit.

New York: Anthony Giglio, renowned wine expert and educator, is opening some of the best bottles from his cellar with friends over home-made Pasta e Fagioli.

Paso Robles Rhone Rangers and North Coast Rhone Rangers celebrate with Grenache wines from 30 California wineries.

Chicago: Bill St. John, wine writer for the Chicago Tribune and professor at the University of Chicago, will be teaching a course featuring Grenache comparisons.

Texas: San Antonio’s Westin La Cantera Hill Country Resort head Sommelier Steven Kreuger will feature his favourite Grenaches at Francesca’s at Sunset, including: Clarendon Hills, Priorat Scala Dei, Maury Shatter from Roussillon.

Europe

London: Bar Boulud’s David Vareille, Head sommelier Mandarin Oriental, will open a vertical of methuselah six litres Domaine de la Roquette, Chateauneuf-du-Pape 1998, 2001, 2003, 2004.

Hedonism’s CEO Tatiana Fokina is showcasing top Grenache selection in the shop’s Enomatic machine, with Grenache-based wines such as Chateau Rayas, Sine Qua Non, Saxum.

France: The producers of Seguret are getting together for the first time to show their top Grenache selections. Walter McKinlay, co-founder of the Grenache Association and producer of Domaine de Mourchon wines, said: “It’s such a pleasure to see winemakers joining forces instead of competing with each other. This is really in keeping with the spirit of the Association.”

A new bistro in Carpentras, actually named Le Grenache, is hosting an Oysters and White Grenache pairing.

Grenache and chocolate pairing with Chêne Bleu wines at La Chocolaterie de Crestet: a gourmet break with a chocolate selection to pair with rosé and Grenache-based reds.

Australia and Asia

McLaren Vale Tasting featuring over 80 McLaren Vale Grenache based reds from more than 30 McLaren Vale producers including D’Arenberg, Penny’s Hill, Chapel Hill, Wirra Wirra, Mr. Riggs, Richard Hamilton, Dogridge, Rosemount.

Hong Kong: 1957 & Co. (Hospitality) Group Wine Specialist Anty Fung proposes perfect pairings between top Grenache rosés and Southeast Asian food at chic Thai fare at Mango Tree, and with upscale modern Vietnamese cuisine at An Nam