International Grenache Day

Deep within Aragon, a region in the north of Spain, a deep purple-red jewel dangles in bunches from among vibrant green leaves. It has grown in the warm sun of its native land, filling with a characteristic berry type sweetness and just a touch of spiciness that makes it incredibly interesting to fans of wine.

This is the Grenache Grape, which was at one time known as the Red of Aragon (Tinto Aragonés). International Grenache Day celebrates the august history of this grape and the contributions it has made to some of the world’s most delightful wines.

History of International Grenache Day

As mentioned, the Grenache takes its origins from the Aragon region of northern Spain, where it is known as Garnacha. From there it has spread out to be cultivated in Sardinia, Southern France, San Joaquin Valley in California, and even as far off as Australia. In fact, this is one of the most widely planted red grapes on the entire planet!

This grape has such an amazingly diverse flavor profile throughout its life, from raspberry/strawberry with a white pepper spice note in its early life, to aging in the wine that produces leathery and tar flavors. While such flavors may sound unpleasant to those who aren’t oenophiles (lovers of wine), they can be a point of delightful interest for those who make wine their passion.

The Grenache Association established International Grenache Day to celebrate this grape and all the varieties and vintages of wine that have been, are, and will be produced from it. In fact, over the ages that have passed since it first began being used and cultivated, new varieties of this wine have appeared to the delight and enjoyment of wine lovers all over the world.

Grenache noir “red Granche” is the most commonly known variety of this wine. But there is also Grenache Blanc, which is of such importance that it ranks on the fourth most planted white wine in France! To go even further into interesting varieties, there is even one called “Hairy Grenache”, developed to protect itself from transpiration through the same underleaf fuzz mechanic present in rosemary and other plants of the Mediterranean.

Often overlooked in the world of wines, Grenache wine can be dry, semi-sweet, or sweet, with a versatile flavor that goes well with food or on its own. International Grenache Day gives every lover of wine the opportunity to explore this unique wine, learn more about and appreciate its history, and become just a little bit of an oenophile for a day.

It’s time to enjoy Grenace Day and celebrate this unsung hero of the world of wine!

How to Celebrate International Grenache Day

Getting the most out of celebrating International Grenache Day is super easy! All it really takes to get started is a lovely bottle of wine. Add some friends, perhaps some hors d’oeuvres, and enjoy the celebration of the day! Try out these ideas for paying homage to this tasteful wine:

Tell Friends About International Grenache Day

The best way to celebrate International Grenache Day is to spread the good news about this beautiful and delicious wine. Find a friend or family member who is less educated on wines and gift them with a bottle of Grenache or invite them to share a bottle with you. This will hopefully open their eyes to the appreciation of this lovely grape and its fruits!

Invited Friends for a International Grenache Day Event

Host an event on International Grenache Day, get friends together and share some of your favorite Grenache vintages, or even host one at your local restaurant. For those who live in a region that produces Grenache grapes, a wine-tasting event would be an excellent activity choice for enjoying on Grenace Day!

Travel to Aragon, Spain

A pinnacle way for wine lovers to enjoy International Grenache Day would be to take a trip to the Aragon wine regions that are located in the north central area of Spain. Stretching from the Pyrenees mountains on the southern end to the Iberian peninsula on the northern end, this region offers incredibly diverse landscapes and beautiful scenery.

But, for wine lovers, the best reason of all to visit Aragon will be to enjoy the vineyards and wineries that produce the Grenache grapes. Try one of these options for wine tasting and tours:

• Bodega Hacienda Molleda. Offering red and white wines, this winery is located in Zaragoza, which is the capital of the Aragon region. Enjoy vineyards, tour the winery and see other beautiful estate areas in this family owned winery.
• Bodegas Y Viñedos Del Jalón Sa. Also located in Zaragoza, this winery provides visitors with tastings for red, white and rose wines, as well as a sampling of other delicious local products. Learn about wine production phases, visit a cliff overlooking charming landscapes, and even visit a national park.
• Grandes Vinos. Tour the winery, wine cellar, and other estate areas in a tour that sheds light on the history of winemaking as well as providing tastings and access to the wine shop. Located in the city of Cariñena.

Host a Grenace Day Event

For those who run a winery of their own, this would be the ideal day to host an event and let people know about it. During a tour, it’s a great time to explain how wines are blended, what is added, what characteristics they offer, and how to select what years of Grenache should just stand on their own in a vintage.

There’s never a bad time or place to help let people know about this amazing grape and all the wines produced from it.

On International Grenache Day, people can show their pride and their good taste by enjoying a glass of Grenache!