More snow and cold weather leads us to ask; is winter over yet? No? Then let's drink some reds! We have chosen an array of red varieties and one blend for our in-store tasting this Thursday. Rojo Garnacha is an ultra ripe, berry flavored wine with zippy licorice and spice. Elsa Bianchi Malbec has a smoky fabric, filled with notes of cherry and flirty flint. Coppola Rosso Red is a favorite blend, incorporating everything but the kitchen sink, with lip smaking synergy. Pali Riviera Pinot Noir is one of our secret finds when it comes to pinot noir.

Stop by on THURSDAY to sample each from 4:30pm to 7:00pm.

Thursday, February 18, 2010
Great winter reds for warming the chill away.
Rojo Garnacha, Spain $10.99
Elsa Bianchi Malbec, Argentina $11.99
Francis Coppola Rosso Blend, California $11.59
Pali Riviera Pinot Noir, Sonoma $17.99

Read about Garnacha.

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Grenache ~ Garnacha

White zinfandel swept the market a few decades ago. Because of its popularity at that time, producers came up with other pink concoctions hoping to cash in on the craze. White grenache was one of them. Ironically, white grenache had some oomph where white zinfandel did not. Because white grenache did not fit the profile of what most white zinfandel drinkers sought, it was a bust in the domestic pink wine market and went away.
      For many, that was the first time they had ever heard of grenache and may have been the last. Ironically, grenache noir was, and still is, one of the most widely planted red grapes in the world. It excels in many roles, but usually without much recognition. Its celebrity exists in those regions where the wine is named after the village, rather than the grape. If you've dabbled in red wine from Europe, you've probably had plenty of grenache.
      It is the secondary grape of Rioja, Spain. In fact Spain has more land devoted to garnacha -the Spanish name for grenache, than any other grape. It is significant in Spain's up and coming regions of Ribera del Duero and Priorato as well.
      Grenache plays a major role in the Southern Rhône Valley of France. It is used to produce the most exulted wine from that area, Châeauneuf du Pape. On the other hand it is the main grape for many inexpensive Côtes du Rhônes and Côtes du Ventouxs. Although they have over twelve official red varieties to choose from, many Rhône producers blend a trilogy of grenache, syrah, and mourvèdre as a standard.
      This trilogy is also a favorite with the Aussies, who love to mimic French blends. Of course everyone knows about Australian shiraz, a.k.a. syrah, but grenache and mourvédre have taken a bit of the market share Down Under too.
      Grenache is a hardy grape whose wines can range from regal to table. Most of the time it is blended, but when given the right opportunity, it is amazing solo. Versions grown in warmer climates are full bodied and packed with ripe red fruit. In areas where it enjoys a longer growing season, grenache is smoky and complex, with notes of licorice, black raspberries, tomatoes, and herbs. It is low in tannins and high in alcohol.
      Although France has dominated the market when it comes to tasty expressions of grenache, Spain is beginning to offer some delightful examples of this prevalent grape as well. Examples of Spanish garnacha, just like their French cousins, can be found in the everyday price range, as well as collectable versions.

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