Grenache Tasting

The Rhone Rangers sponsored a Grenache tasting at the Stark Tasting Room in Healdsburg on Sept 20, 2013. Grenache is a grape not well known in America, but is widely planted in Spain and the Rhone Valley of France. It is often blended with Syrah and Mourvedre (moo VED ruh) in France.

There were a dozen northern California wineries pouring about 35 different Grenache Blancs (white Grenache), Grenache Noir (red), plus Grenache blends. There were also some rosés, but I didn't sample any.

I also attended these tastings each of the last two years in Sept 2011 and Sept 2012.

My favorites this year in each category (listed alphabetically):

Grenache Blanc (white)

Frick 2010 Estate Dry Creek Valley, $27

Skinner 2011 Eldorado, $22

Grenache Noir (red)

Anaba 2010 Greywacke Vyd Russian River Valley, $38

Mounts Family 2010 Estate Dry Creek Valley, $30

Quivira 2011 Wine Creek Ranch Dry Creek Valley, $30

Grenache Blends (white & red)
 
Frick Cotes-du-Dry-Creek White 2011 Estate Dry Creek Valley (Grenache Blanc & Viognier blend), $27

Frick Cotes-du-Dry Creek Red 2009 Dry Creek Valley (Grenache, Syrah, Cinsaut), $24

Two Shepherds Pastoral Rouge 2011 Dry Creek Valley & El Dorado (Grenache, Mouvedre, Syrah), $38


For me Frick Winery was the hit of the night.