Grenache, Aragonès, Cannonau, Llavone, Alicantina, Santa Maria de Alcantara, Tinta Menuda, Alicante de Pays, Sans Pareil... and several other synonyms are given to this beautiful black grape variety, very cultivated in France and Spain: Black Grenache.

At the same time, its yield is very variable. It develops beautifully in a warm terroir, like that of Banyuls in the Roussillon, or that of Châteauneuf-du-Pape in the Rhône. Expressive, it gives wines concentrated in alcohol, exceeding 14°.

For history: before the 1960s, Grenache was used in Burgundy and Bordelais to increase the alcoholic level of the wines of the region.

Of character, the Grenache is easily recognized by the depth of its color: mordorate red. Very used for the production of natural sweet wines, due to its ageing speed, giving oxidation to the wine. His fragility over time forced him to be often married to the Syrah at the Mourvèdre. It is the third most planted grape variety in France and the seventh most planted grape variety in the world: it is THE grape variety of the Mediterranean. In tasting, the grenache expresses itself in different ways, according to its terroir: which will define the most expressive aromas on the palate. Then, its method of breeding that will give way to tertiary aromas, some more expressive than others. Like black fruits: blackcurrant, blackberry or roasted notes of coffee, cocoa, even spices.

In the name Pic-Saint-Loup, in Languedoc for example, the Grenache has everything it needs to express itself: the great warmth of the summer followed by its drought as well as its winter humidity - a true Mediterranean climate.

This allows the fruit to concentrate its sugars and give wines of good care. It is often assembled with the Mourvèdre, the Syrah and the Carignan, being of course the most important grapes of the marriage according to its region.

Its assembly allows it to preserve itself better over time, especially in natural sweet wines, giving the tasting its most complete expression of its aromas.

And tomorrow, what region will we enjoy Grenache?