Red grape variety

Grenache

Also called Garnacha, Grenache Noir, Cannonau, Garnatxa

Grenache is a red grape, probably from Aragon in Spain, known for ripe, high-alcohol wines with raspberry, strawberry and white-pepper notes. It anchors Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Priorat and Sardinia's Cannonau, and makes Tavel rosé and Banyuls. Its wines are often 15% alcohol or more.

Color	Red (black-skinned)
Origin	Probably Aragon, Spain (Sardinia also claims it)
Body	Medium to full
Acidity	Low to medium
Tannin	Low to medium
Typical aromas	raspberry, strawberry, white pepper, spice, leather, tar
Key regions	Rhône Valley (France), Languedoc-Roussillon (France), Aragon (Spain), Priorat (Spain), Sardinia (Italy), Barossa Valley (Australia), McLaren Vale (Australia)

Origin and history

Ampelographic evidence points to Aragon in north-east Spain as Grenache's birthplace, though Sardinia argues for a local origin on the basis of recent archaeological finds. From Aragon it spread around the western Mediterranean under different names: Garnacha in Spain, Garnatxa in Catalan, Grenache in France and Cannonau in Sardinia. It was one of the first varieties introduced to Australia and remained the country's most planted red grape until Shiraz overtook it in the mid-1960s. In Spain, plantings fell sharply after the 1980s, yet it is still the country's third most planted red variety. France had 95,700 hectares in 2004, mostly in the southern Rhône and Languedoc-Roussillon.

Where it grows

In the southern Rhône Valley, Grenache is the main grape of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas, Vacqueyras and Lirac, and the base of Tavel rosé. Roussillon uses it for fortified Banyuls. Spain grows it across Aragon in Cariñena, Calatayud and Campo de Borja, in Navarra and Rioja, and in Catalonia's Priorat, where old vines make wines such as L'Ermita, and neighbouring Montsant. Sardinia's version is Cannonau di Sardegna. Outside Europe the main areas are South Australia's Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale, California's Paso Robles and South Africa's Swartland.

Taste, wine styles and food

Grenache ripens to high sugar levels, so its wines are often 15% alcohol or more. It is naturally low in acid, tannin and colour, giving soft, spicy reds with raspberry and strawberry fruit and a touch of white pepper; with age come leather and tar. Because it lacks structure on its own, it is often blended, most famously with Syrah and Mourvèdre in the southern Rhône and in Australian GSM blends. Its fruit and low colour also make it a leading grape for rosé, from Tavel to Navarra, and its sugar suits fortified wine such as Banyuls, Rivesaltes and Maury. Juicy, spicy Grenache reds pair with roast lamb, grilled sausages, stews and Mediterranean dishes with herbs.

Test yourself: the Grenache quiz

Wines made with Grenache (28)

WineGuessr lists 28 wines made with Grenache, from 7 countries. Most come from France (12).

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Grenache: questions and answers

Is Garnacha the same as Grenache?

Yes. Garnacha is the Spanish name for Grenache, and the grape is called Cannonau in Sardinia and Garnatxa in Catalonia.

What does Grenache taste like?

Grenache tastes of raspberry and strawberry with white pepper and spice. It is soft, low in tannin and acidity, and often high in alcohol.

Is Châteauneuf-du-Pape made from Grenache?

Grenache is the main grape in most Châteauneuf-du-Pape, usually blended with Syrah, Mourvèdre and other permitted varieties.

What is a GSM wine?

GSM is a blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre, modelled on southern Rhône reds and popular in South Australia's Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale.

Is Cannonau the same as Grenache?

Yes, Cannonau is Sardinia's name for Grenache. The island makes it as Cannonau di Sardegna, and some Sardinians argue the grape originated there.

Other red grapes

All grape varieties →

Sources: en.wikipedia.org

Last reviewed October 2026.