Antonio Galloni/Vinous – ‘Brilliant ruby-red. Spice-accented dark berry, cherry pit and succulent flowers on the perfumed nose. Fleshy and
broad in the mouth but lively as well, offering sappy black raspberry and bitter cherry flavors that become sweeter
with air. Closes gently tannic, with very good energy and persistence, leaving a spicecake note behind. Drink 2018-
2022.’
World Wine – "Leading off the three Châteauneuf Du Papes, the 2017 Châteauneuf Du Pape Les Trois Sources comes from more sandy soils just across the road from the estate. It always shares more stylistic similarities with the Réserve and is more opulent, sexy, and fruit loaded compared to the Hauts-Lieux cuvée. This 2017 is spectacular, offering loads of black fruits, black licorice, ground herbs, violets, and some obvious loamy soil and mineral-like aromas and flavors. Full-bodied, expansive, and multi-dimensional, this is another singular wine from Jean-Paul Daumen that tastes like the essence of this stunning terroir." 95 points Jeb Dunnuck
Wine Spectator – This pumps ripe raspberry, plum and blackberry pâte de fruit flavors through, with anise, fruitcake and Christmas pudding notes adding range and detail along the way. Flash of bay on the finish. A not-shy wine. Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Cinsault. Best from 2022 through 2032.
Wine Enthusiast – Ripe, luminous wild strawberries and black cherry flavors explode from nose to finish in this hedonistic, intensely fruity blend of Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Cinsault. It's gorgeously primary in youth with a zesty mineral undertone, but is concentrated enough to improve, gaining earthier complexities through 2030 and likely further.
James Suckling – A very vibrant array of ripe raspberry, red-plum and berry-pastry aromas with mulberries, too. Very fresh. There’s a very rich and ripe, dark-fruit core here with a wealth of super plush and languid tannins that are dense yet soft. This is a hallmark of the vintage. A blend of 45% grenache, 30% syrah, 15% mourvedre and ten additional varieties. Drink over the next decade and more.
Robert Parker/Wine Advocate – The 2017 Chateauneuf du Pape features gentle herb shadings, ripe stone fruit and berry flavors, and a long, clean finish. It's full-bodied but somewhat delicate and silky in feel. I'd opt for drinking this blend of 35% Syrah, 30% Grenache, 30% Mourvèdre and 5% Cinsault over the next 7-8 years.
Robert Parker/Wine Advocate – This producer's first Gigondas is a terrific debut. The 2017 Gigondas Reserve Mont Redon—a blend of 85% Grenache, 9% Syrah and 6% Mourvèdre—comes from the lieux-dits of Pied Gu, Pallière and Notre Dame des Pallières and was aged in a mix of lightly used Burgundian pièces and tank. Perfumes include scents of violets, lavender, cherries and vanilla, while the full-bodied palate is lush and creamy, ending long, with hints of cracked pepper and salted licorice. Drink 2019-2028.
Robert Parker/Wine Advocate – Gorgeous as well, with pure blackberry, cassis, licorice, charred earth and crushed flower aromas and flavors, the Châteauneuf du Pape La Reine des Bois (roughly 80% Grenache, 10% Mourvedre and the rest Syrah, Vaccarese and Counoise) is medium to full-bodied, pure and layered. One of the more approachable examples of this cuvee I've tasted, it should be relatively civilized on release, yet evolve gracefully given its overall balance and freshness. Drink 2017-2027. 93-95+
Decanter – This has some interest; a little spicy kick on the finish that brings character and complexity. There’s a good sense of freshness and it’s very concentrated, with ripe black cherry flavour. The alcohol is on the high side, but this is classic stuff. Has some depth of gummy texture and an intense muscular grip to the tannins with a long, resonant finish. Charvin rarely shows well from barrel, so this could be very good indeed when it's mature. Organically grown at the north-west of the appellation, lieux-dits Cabrières and Maucoil, galets roulés and sand. It's fermented and then aged for 21 months in concrete using indigenous yeasts, then bottled unfiltered. Drinking Window 2022 - 2030. (MW)
Robert Parker/Wine Advocate – A gentle mélange of ripe cherries, dusty earth and dried spices mingle on the nose of the 2018 Chateauneuf du Pape. A blend of approximately 60% Grenache, 30% Syrah, 8.5% Mourvèdre and 1.5% other permitted varieties, it's full-bodied, showing some silky tannins on the cocoa-tinged finish.
James Suckling – Outer quote mark Tons of forest berries and damson plums, but also dried herbs. An extremely expressive wine with great fruit, very fresh and slightly crunchy tannins, plus energy that makes it leap and bound across the palate. Stunning licorice and mineral finish that proves Chateauneuf can be an exciting and elegant wine. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. Drinkable now, but best from 2024. Inner quote mark (2/2022)
Wine Spectator – A ripe, lush style, with warm and inviting plum, fig and boysenberry confiture notes gliding through. Offers a beautiful polished feel, with suave anise and black tea flavors filling in on the finish while the fruit just sails through. Relies primarily on fruit, and you can't blame it for that. Drink now through 2030.
Robert Parker/Wine Advocate – La Nerthe's 2015 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee des Cadettes is a blend of approximately one-third each Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. Eighty percent of the wine spent a year in new oak barrels, but much of that has been absorbed into the wine, and I see that my notes don't make reference to overt oak descriptors. Scents of raspberry and spice lead the way, followed by a firm, full-bodied palate. The tannins are present from front to back, but they're ripe and silky, lingering elegantly on the finish.
Wine Spectator – Features linzer torte, boysenberry and blueberry coulis flavors allied to ample, silky and seamless structure and backed by a gorgeous perfumy finish of black tea and incense. Offers a beguiling, Pinot Noir-like profile, with lovely length and mouthfeel. Best from 2015 through 2030.
Robert Parker/Wine Advocate – Starting with the 2011 Châteauneuf du Pape Le Secret du Sabon, it shows the sunny character of the vintage with its perfumed kirsch and red fruits, herbes de Provence, licorice and ground spices. A big wine, it possesses full-bodied richness, fine tannin and a seamless, elegant style that will allow it to evolve gracefully for 15 years or more.
James Suckling – Rich and fleshy, but with excellent tannin structure behind it, this is a very impressive modern style Chateauneuf. Plenty of preserved cherry and black raspberry fruit with notes of rosemary and thyme. Lovely silky texture until you reach the firm finish, which promises many more years of life. A cuvee of 60% grenache, 19% mourvedre, 13% syrah, 5% syrah and 3% other traditional grapes for the region.
Decanter – Paul and Vincent Avril, a father and son team, have established themselves as one of the finest producers of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Despite being predominantly Grenache, it is reminiscent of an elegant northern Rhône Syrah with the texture of a Pinot. With a medium bodied intensity, it has a beautiful red fruit expression with some savoury notes. Harmony, finesse and elegance are probably the three words that best describe this beauty. One for the cellar.
Originating from Spain, where it's affectionately known as Garnacha, Grenache has found a home in many wine regions worldwide, each place imparting its unique touch to the grape's inherent profile. This grape thrives in hot, dry conditions, making it perfectly suited for areas like Spain’s Priorat, Australia’s Barossa Valley, and France’s Southern Rhône, where it plays a starring role in the famed Châteauneuf-du-Pape blends.
Grenache's allure lies in its ability to produce wines that are both robust and approachable. Its naturally high sugar content can lead to higher alcohol wines, yet they seldom come across as overpowering. Instead, they entice with aromas of raspberry, cherry, and white pepper, often accompanied by hints of leather and herbaceous undertones. Its versatility allows it to be the primary grape in some wines, while in others, it complements and elevates accompanying varietals.
Historically, Grenache has been a cornerstone grape, often blended but seldom celebrated on its own. However, as winemakers and consumers alike began to recognize its potential, it has steadily gained the spotlight, resulting in wines that beautifully showcase its range and depth. Each bottle tells a story of the land from which it came, inviting those who partake to savor its nuanced flavors and history.
We don’t talk about Grenache like they do about Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot or Pinot Noir, but the warm-climate red grape is the fifth most planted variety in the world with stunning 163,000 hectares of vines – it is significant in terms of volume and variety. Grenache is the second most planted red grape in France and Spain, and both countries lay claim to the grape’s origin. Grenache can be used to make mono-varietal red and rosé wines. Still, given its fruity and peppery personality, it is also used in blends, along with Syrah and Mourvedre, but this is just the beginning. Let’s talk about Grenache.
Many famous wines use Grenache, either on its own or as part of a blend. Most red wines from the Southern Rhône Valley depend on the grape. Grenache is also used to make rosé in Provence, and it is the only grape allowed to produce the French fortified wines of Banyuls. Grenache in Spain is often blended with Tempranillo, typically in Rioja, but it is also crucial in Priorat. Grenache goes by the name of Cannonau in Sardinia, Italy, and it is also typical in the new world — you’ll find Grenache in many GSM blends in Australia and California, so the grape is a world phenomenon – many popular wines depend on it.
Grenache is an ancient varietal, which means there’s more than one variety. White and “grey” Grenache grapes exist, and they’re also used regularly in many wine regions worldwide. Still, the most significant type of Grenache is the red type. Grenache Noire is used to make robust red blends, elegant mono-varietals, refreshing rosé and bold fortified wine. This warm-climate varietal is even used to give colour to sparkling wines in Spain, specifically when making Cava Rosado. Grenache is known as Garnacha in the Iberian country. There’s no doubt Grenache is one of the most versatile red grapes on the planet!
Grenache wines can be incredibly economical but memorable and worthy of any wine cellar. Some of the most expensive wines made with the grape come from France and Spain. The acclaimed Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation allows for all types of Grenache. On the other hand, the robust and rustic wines from Priorat, in Spain’s Catalonia, can also be pricey, and they always contain at least some Grenache. Rosé made with Grenache is rarely expensive, and the same can be said about most GSM blends in both the old and new world. Cotes du Rhone is a reliable source of inexpensive Grenache, as are most GSM blends from South Australia.
Since Grenache is amongst the most planted grapes on the planet, given its versatility, it’s hard to say one wine made with the grape is better than others. We can safely say there’s a Grenache wine for every budget and occasion. If you want to know more, explore our selection of Grenache at World Wine — your source of fine wine in Australia. White, red or rosé, if it’s made with Grenache, we have it. Add Grenache to your wine rotation today and enjoy its versatility!
We aim to have all wines be vintage specific. In the case the listed vintage is out of stock and you note you would like that particular vintage, we will inform you via email for approval to go ahead.
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To be able to supply such a unique & extensive range of boutique wines, we don't hold much of the inventory. So with us, there is the added step of receiving the wine from our local suppliers before it is dispatched to you. Most orders are dispatched within 3-6 working days.
Quality Guarantee
Replacement or refund offered if bottles are faulty or damaged. All our deliveries are insured against loss, however you must notify us in a reasonable amount of time.
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If you would like to include a gift message with your order, please enter that in the order instructions section. We'll print your message in a lovely font on A5 paper. We also won't include the invoice. Tracking will be sent to the email on file.
We aim to have all wines be vintage specific. In the case the listed vintage is out of stock and you note you would like that particular vintage, we will inform you via email for approval to go ahead.
To be able to supply such a unique & extensive range of boutique wines, we don't hold much of the inventory. So with us, there is the added step of receiving the wine from our local suppliers before it is dispatched to you. Most orders are dispatched within 3-6 working days.
Replacement or refund offered if bottles are faulty or damaged. All our deliveries are insured against loss, however you must notify us in a reasonable amount of time.
If you would like to include a gift message with your order, please enter that in the order instructions section. We'll print your message in a lovely font on A5 paper. We also won't include the invoice. Tracking will be sent to the email on file.