Grenache, one of the world’s most widely planted grape varieties, found its way to the Rhône Valley in the early 1800s, where it quickly established itself as a cornerstone of the region’s wine production. Originally from Spain, where it’s known as Garnacha, Grenache adapted well to Rhône’s warm, dry climate and diverse soils, thriving particularly in the southern Rhône’s vineyards. Its resilience to drought and ability to produce high-yielding vines made it an ideal choice, leading to its prominence in blends, especially in iconic regions like Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Grenache’s rich fruit character and ability to mature gracefully contributed significantly to Rhône’s reputation, and it remains essential in many of the region’s celebrated wines today.
