Grenache

A heat loving grape variety that most likely originated in Spain where it is commonly know as Garnacha. It is a thin skinned, late ripening variety that need long hot summers. Grenache usually works best when blended as it has low acidity and poor examples can taste a little 'soupy'. It is often blended with Syrah and Mourvedre in the south of France, most famously in Chateauneuf-du-Pape. In Spain it pairs well with Tempranillo in Rioja, and with Carignan in Priorat. It also thrives in Australia and parts of California.