All the medal-winning wines from The Global Grenache Masters 2022

Grenache, or Garnacha, tends not to hog the limelight, but this grape is an essential part of many blends, and stands out on its own, as our taste test shows. Here, Patricia Stefanowicz MW shines a light on some excellent expressions

Grenache may be under the radar, but Garnacha Tinta is a staple in the three sub-regions of Rioja, and, as Grenache Noir, is the backbone of most red wines in the southernmost parts of France and many warmer parts of the wine-growing world.

This Grenache Global Masters competition investigated Grenache in all its colours: Grenache Blanc (Garnacha Blanca), Grenache Noir (Garnacha Tinta), and a little bit of Grenache Gris (Garnacha Roja) as well as many of the regions in which the grapes are grown.

Grenache Noir is one of the most widely planted grape varieties, not least because it can thrive in hot and dry regions. Perhaps a reason why fewer wines are labelled Grenache, or Garnacha, is because the Grenache grapes are almost always blended with other varieties, either as field blends or as different wines. The classic examples, are southern France, everywhere in Spain, and, nowadays, in New World regions, such as Australia, Chile, or South Africa.

The southern Rhône Valley and Languedoc-Roussillon are strongholds of Grenache Noir and Grenache Blanc.

The latter, sometimes blended with Grenache Gris, is rarely labelled as such, but when beautifully constructed, has lemon zest and white flowers, bright acidity and a creamy texture. It seems to work nicely in Australia and in Spain, too. A rival for Semillon, perhaps, in the warmer climes of South Australia? And a foil for Tempranillo Blanco in Rioja.

Grenache Noir, with its juicy, sweet fruit, provides the alcohol and red-berry character and lively acidity to balance the less ripe, herbal-scented black-fruited Syrah. Together these two varieties form most of the south of France blends, with occasional additions of tannic Mourvèdre and lighter, floral Cinsault.

Many of the big Rhône producers make exemplary Côtes du Rhône AOC wines based on this ‘work-horse’ variety. Guigal, Vidal-Fleury, and Chapoutier are labels to look for. Although we did not have very many French wines in this year’s tasting for the db Grenache Global Masters, there were a few Vacqueyras and Valréas wines lurking in the US during a recent foray. Domaine Le Couroulu Vacqueyras is very good, and Visàn is also a village to examine. They provide excellent value for money.

What we found this time is that most of our favourite Garnacha/Grenache wines came from Spain and Australia. McLaren Vale, in South Australia, gives red berry and plum fruit with cedarwood from ageing in older wood casks, and a bit of black pepper spiciness from Shiraz blended in. Mataro (better known in the Old World as Mourvèdre) adds tannic grip and bramble fruit. GSM (Grenache-Shiraz-Mataro) wines from South Australia are exemplary; they have clarity, purity, and a balance of fruit, gentle oak, good acidity and supple, though abundant, tannins.

Spain offers brilliant Garnacha and blends at all price points. Garnacha Tinta is the major variety in Rioja Oriental, not far from Barçelona, and further south in Priorat, up in the mountains, a true homeland for Garnacha. Garnacha also shows its perfection in the highlands of Rioja Alavesa, around the towns of Laguardia, Leza, Badiola, and Vianna, adding weight and breadth to the ubiquitous Tempranillo Tinto.

Even further north, although not showing in our Grenache Global Masters tasting this year, Garnacha makes lovely rosados in Navarra, and these should not be eschewed for the equally beguiling rosés from Provence, also often based on Grenache.

Grenache/Garnacha is a fabulous variety and should become a part of every wine lover ’s repertoire. Food-friendly, with juicy fruit, good freshness and supple tannins, these are wines that work well with everything, even if they are not always considered fashionable.

About the competition

With high-quality judges and a unique sampling process, The Global Grenache Masters provides a chance for your wines to star.

The 2022 competition was judged on 21 September at Jamie’s Adams Court, London, employing experienced judges. The top wines were awarded Gold, Silver, or Bronze medals according to their result, and those expressions that stood out as being outstanding in their field received the ultimate accolade – the title of Grenache Master. This report features the medal winners only.

Please visit the Global Masters website for more information, or, to enter future competitions – giving you the chance to feature online and in print – please call: +44 (0) 20 7803 2420 or email Sophie Raichura at: sophie@thedrinksbusiness.com