Photo by VIVC - Vitis International Variety Catalogue
Description
Grenache (Garnacha in Spain) is a black grape that probably originated in Spain and was brought into France in the Middle Ages. It is widely grown in Spain and southern France. It accumulates sugar very readily, so its wines are generous and high in alcohol but usually low in acidity. Colour fades quickly as yields rise, so the best wines come from low-yielding vines on good sites.
Characteristics
Black wine grape; medium to large bunches; medium berries; seeded; very vigorous with an upright habit; late ripening; very high sugar potential; low acidity; tender in hard winters
Growing Tips
Grenache's upright, sturdy growth suits a free-standing bush vine (goblet) or a short-spurred cordon. It prefers stony, gravelly or slightly acidic soils to very chalky ones and often shows magnesium deficiency. It is very susceptible to downy mildew and phomopsis, so stay ahead with sprays in wet springs. Its winter buds are among the less hardy, so it suits warm, mild-winter regions.