GRAPE VARIETIES: The most widely planted red wine grape in Spain, from where it originates. It is the main grape in Navarra and is a constituent of Rioja. It is also wFrance, and is found in California and Australia, particularly the McLaren Vale region. By itself, or as the major constituent, it is responsible for many great rose wines and is used in the blends of such great red wines as Chateauneuf-du-Pape and Rioja. In this guise it benefits from oak-ageing. Grenache wines have a tendency to oxidise early and can be highly alcoholic. The grapes are susceptible to mildew.

NOSE OF WINE: Earthly, black pepper, plums, coffee, spice.