California

Grenache

Study Guides > Varieties > Grenache

Signature Styles & Characteristics

Although any grape can be interpreted in innovative and at times, outlying styles, the below chart/graphic represents the preponderance of what you will find in California winemakers producing.

  • Dryness/Residual Sugar

    Dry: 100 percent on a scale from Dry to of Dryness/Residual Sugar.

  • Acid (potential)

    Dry: 75 percent on a scale from Low to High of Acid (potential).

  • Alcohol (potential)

    Dry: 75 percent on a scale from Low to High of Alcohol (potential).

  • Body (weight on palate)

    Dry: 100 percent on a scale from Light to Full of Body (weight on palate).

  • Texture

    Dry: 100 percent on a scale from Gritty and Astringent to Round and Smooth of Texture.

  • Tannin

    Dry: 75 percent on a scale from Low to High of Tannin.

Aromas/Flavors

  • Red Fruit

    Fruit

    Raspberry, strawberry, blackberry, black raspberries, red/black cherry, kirsch, grape, cherry tomato, orange, tangerine, watermelon, red apple, red/black plum, red/black currant, fruit leather
  • Red Floral

    Herbal/Vegetable

    Anise, fennel, red/black licorice, black olive, oregano, tea leaf, mint, eucalyptus, menthol, garrigue, rosemary, red/purple beet, cola, tobacco
  • Red Floral

    Floral

    Violet, lavender, rose
  • Red Earth

    Earth

    Loam, mineral, potting soil, mushroom
  • Red Wood

    Wood

    Cinnamon, clove, chocolate, cocoa, caramel, vanilla, coconut, toast, coffee, carob
  • Red Other

    Other

    Peppercorn (white and black), cured meat, gingerbread, leather, tar, honey

Ageability

2 to 20 years, pedigree-dependent; the best bottles can live even longer