Grenache and Garnacha are the French and Spanish names for a red grape varietal, which in this article, we will simply call Grenache. It has become a staple of the Rhone, but is believed to have originated in northern Spain, and is also frequently grown in Sardinia (where it is called Cannonau), Australia and Monterey in California.
Grenache usually falls around a medium-plus body and shows medium levels of acid, tannin and color. It’s a great choice if you like red wines, but are looking for something a bit less tannic and challenging. Grenache is fundamentally fruity, with primary notes of strawberry and raspberry, and hints of white pepper spice. It’s a great match for all things subtly spicy and savory, particularly meats that can stand up to its bold fruit flavours.
Meat That Pairs Well With Grenache & Garnacha
Grenache is a natural pairing for meat, due to its rich fruity flavours and ability to stand up to savory, umami dishes. Grilled lamb is a go-to, as is a good steak. You can also pair Grenache with a variety of beef-based dishes, like beef bourguignon, burgers with spicy relish, or beef wellington. It can even tackle gamey meats, like venison or boar.
To fully utilize Grenache’s subtly spicy, peppery side, we recommend looking for some meats with subtle spice, like chorizo, salami or Catalan fuet (for a brilliant regional pairing).
Cheese That Pairs Well With Grenache & Garnacha
When it comes to pairing Grenache with cheese, it’s best to try and match the wine’s bold flavours. Goat and sheep cheese are particularly harmonious. Think about Manchego, a rich buttery sheep’s milk cheese from Spain that pairs beautifully with Grenache’s fruit and spice notes. Along the same lines, you can consider pairing it with Chevre (a tangy goat’s milk cheese), Gorgonzola, or mature Cheddar.
Appetizers That Pair Well With Grenache & Garnacha
As it is a big red wine, general wisdom would suggest that you serve Grenache alongside your main course. However, it’s totally up to you and your individual taste. Grenache can be fantastic alongside a variety of flavourful savory appetizers. It’s a natural pairing for chorizo or any spicy cured meat, so a charcuterie board with some funky cheese is a good option. Bruschetta laden with tomato, garlic and olive oil is a fantastic match for the wine’s red fruit flavours, and you can extend that concept to some spicy dips.
Vegetarian Dishes That Pair Well With Grenache & Garnacha
As with most red wines, for an optimal pairing, you’ll be looking for vegetables with an inherently rich flavour. Think of carrots, parsnips, eggplant or bell peppers. Of course, flavours come out in all sorts of different ways, depending on how you cook the vegetable. For Grenache, the best methods are probably grilling and roasting, because they can bring out a wonderful combination of sweet and savory. Stuffing peppers with cheese, rice or sauce can also be a great option.
Herbs That Pair Well With Grenache & Garnacha
One of Grenache’s defining characteristics is its peppery streak, so white and black pepper are ideal seasonings to use during an evening with Grenache. Other than that, look for herbs with pungent flavors, like rosemary, thyme, basil, oregano and sage.
Food That Does Not Pair Well With Grenache & Garnacha
There are no hard rules about which foods do not pair well with Grenache, as personal preferences can vary widely. However, there are a few things to keep in mind for optimal sensory pleasure. Avoid delicate flavours, like those in flakey white fish. Also, try to avoid foods that are very spicy or salty, as they can exaggerate Grenache’s tannins.
Best Foods To Eat With Grenache & Garnacha
So, when you’re pairing with Grenach/Garnacha, a good starting point is to look for foods with savory flavours and a hint of spice, which should accentuate the wine’s natural spiciness. It all comes down to personal taste in the end, but these are your top safe choices:
- Steak
- Chorizo or Catalan Fuet
- Grilled vegetables
- Manchego
- Stuffed bell peppers
