History
While “exactly when” is nebulous, Grenache Blanc originated in Spain, where it continues to play a role in the wines of Rioja and Navarra. From Spain, it spread to France and has since thrived in the vineyards of the Languedoc-Roussillon and southern Rhône Valley (including Châteauneuf-du-Pape). In the Old World, Grenache Blanc is almost always blended, and it contributes rich mouthfeel and good acids to the blends in which it is present. Grenache Blanc made its first appearance in California as a part of Tablas Creek's importation of several Rhône grapevine cuttings from France’s Château Beaucastel in 1992.
California Grenache Blanc Timeline
Grenache Blanc makes its first appearance in California as part of Tablas Creek's importation of several Rhône grapevine cuttings from Château Beaucastel. Tablas Creek took it upon themselves to do all the quarantining, heat treating, etc., to be agriculturally compliant.
The then-BATF (finally!) recognized Grenache Blanc as a varietal distinct from Grenache Noir. Formerly, one could only refer to the varietal as Grenache since Grenache Blanc had yet to be recognized by the BATF.
Plantings of Grenache Blanc start to increase dramatically. Around 44% of acres planted in California have been established since 2005.
Grenache Blanc plantings stood at 253 hectares/625 acres (133 hectares/329 acres bearing and 120 hectares/296 acres non-bearing) through year-end 2021, representing 0.13% of total vineyard plantings of all California wine grapes.