Wine

Thursday, Jun. 12, 2008

Local Wine Picks: Grenache grapes can also tale the lead role

Comments (0) |

When it comes to Rhône-style reds, syrah grabs most of the attention. Grenache is usually treated as a minor player. In San Luis Obispo County, for example, nearly 2,700 acres of syrah are planted vs. fewer than 200 acres of grenache. Grenache is often used as a blender, but it sometimes shows up as a separate varietal wine. These three grenaches from local wineries provide a good introduction to the grape.

Anglim Winery 2005 Grenache $24

Anglim’s version is made from grapes grown in Paso Robles. The wine is 80 percent grenache, which is from Cass Vineyard, and 20 percent syrah, which is sourced from several sites. The wine offers pretty strawberry fruit, accented by vanilla and spice. It’s ripe, smooth and easy to drink.

Robert Hall Winery 2006 Grenache $24

This is another grenache made from Paso Robles fruit. It’s fresh and juicy, with bright strawberry and black raspberry fruit, some oak and polished tannins. The blend is beefed up some with a little petite sirah and syrah.

Domaine Alfred 2005 Grenache $28

Unlike the previous two wines, Domaine Alfred’s grenache hails from the cool Edna Valley. And this is a good example of cool-climate grenache: It’s quite peppery, with juicy strawberry and cherry flavors, a hint of tobacco and firm structure. Drink it with something hearty.