Grenache noir is the world’s most widely planted grape. It is used to make red wine, sometimes as a stand-alone varietal, but most often used as a backbone of red blends. Used as a component in some Northern Rhone reds it is the primary component in nearly all Southern Rhone blends.

Grenache is notable as the base for Chateauneuf du Pape and Cotes du Rhone. In spite of this coming to fame from French wines, Spain is most likely this grape’s origin.

Nearly three times as much Grenache is planted in Spain as in France. The Spanish refer to this grape as “garnacha” or “garnacha tinta.” It is the dominant red wine in Catalonia and prominent in Rioja.

In other parts of the world, Australia has extensive plantings of Grenache along with being very successful making full-bodied Grenache dominated blends. Until the past decade Grenache was the third most planted red varietal in California following Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon.

The Grenache grape is low in malic acid and oxidizes readily. In Spain’s Rioja and from some “old vine” plantings in California 100% varietal wines are produced.

Mostly, however, it is used to fill out red blends in wines that are meant to be consumed right away – everyday wines if you will.

Additional bonuses are that they are quality wines, modestly priced. In fact Spanish wines falling in the $5.99 – $7.99 price range, including Grenache, Tempranillo and Vino Verde, have done quite well during the current economic downturn. This segment of the market is actually expanding.