February 27, 2025 • 27 mins
Send a Text Message to The Kosher Terroir
Discover the fascinating journey of Grenache in this captivating episode of The Kosher Terroir! From its rich origins in Spain and its rise in iconic French winemaking to its blossoming presence in Israel's modern wine scene, Grenache is a grape steeped in history and adaptability. Join me, Simon Jacob, as we explore the details of this charming grape varietal, including my own romantic encounters.
Join us as we traverse Grenache's migration and view its evolving role, not only as a quintessential grape but as a symbol of wine culture's innovation and resilience. This episode illuminates the remarkable transitions Grenache has undergone and continues to embrace—whether as a single varietal or in intriguing blends, its character tantalizes the palate, weaving together narratives of tradition and experimentation.
Expect to uncover what makes Grenache unique, the challenges it faces, and the excitement surrounding its potential from Israeli winemakers crafting thrilling new blends, revealing just how much this grape has to offer. As we savor these insights, the episode invites your engagement—what has your experience with Grenache been like?
Don't miss this opportunity to deepen your connection with this remarkable grape that needs to be on every kosher wine lover's radar. Subscribe now, share your thoughts, and join us on this delightful journey of flavors and stories!
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
S. Simon Jacob (00:09):
Welcome to The Kosher Terroir.
I'm Simon Jacob, your host forthis episode from Jerusalem.
Before we get started, I askthat, wherever you are, please
take a moment and pray for thesafety of our soldiers and the
safe return of all of ourhostages.
If you're driving in your car,please focus on the road ahead.
(00:32):
Can we ever dance again?
Firstly, this is not aboutpolitical statements, nor is it
about my reaction to horrendousterrorist actions against
innocent children.
I'm far too mundane to postabout such serious matters.
That said, I am passionatepassionate about a number of
(00:53):
things and people, but many whotruly know me know that I am
obsessively passionate aboutwine, so I attended a wine
tasting last night that has leftmy mind abuzz.
The tasting was hosted byMichael Marciano of Micah Wines
and featured a good friend,david Cohen from LV Wines in
(01:15):
Spain, tasting through a numberof his latest releases.
To be honest, the mainattraction of the evening,
besides seeing old friends, wasthe promise of tasting a brand
new release their singlevarietal Grenache, bottled under
the close Masora brand asGaracha 2022.
(01:37):
Let me tell you about myfalling in love with Grenache.
Falling in love with Grenache.
I first encountered her back in2017 as part of a group of wine
enthusiasts who contracted withwinemaker Yakov Oriya to
produce a custom red blend, awine ultimately named Special
(01:57):
Oriya Blend, or SOB for short.
In order to facilitate itsproduction and the ultimate
acceptance by our group, yakovarranged a blending session,
which many of us attended, someeven flying in from abroad to
participate.
To our surprise, yakov unveiledfive component varieties that
(02:20):
he planned to include in thisblend.
He had us all taste eachcomponent separately, and I was
taken by each of the varietals,but really impressed with the
Grenache, as it was the firsttime tasting it as a single
varietal.
My romance with Grenache hadbeen ignited.
We went on that evening, underthe masterful instruction of
(02:44):
Yakov, to blend component bycomponent, tasting first-hand
the meaning of what winemakerscall, adding depth and
complexity, while achieving awhole wine that far exceeded the
sum of its parts.
The blend that was finallyproduced was grenache-heavy and
delightful.
(03:05):
I was totally smitten by thisSpanish-born charmer, a deeply
rich yet wonderfully playfulyoung enchantress.
We have mingled throughout theyears, provocatively entwined as
I've danced, with manystylistic variations introduced
by some of the most creativewine dreamers, from a light,
(03:28):
bright single varietal by DaniFriedenberg to the desert-grown
expression by Nana or the GSMblends from Pierre at Domaine
Netofa.
Grenache has never ceased todelight me.
There was that youthfuldynamism tempting me in each
glass.
But then the Clos Massoragaracha totally unraveled my
(03:49):
fantasy.
My taste buds were all preparedto dance, ready for that silky,
youthful temptress, but what Iencountered was all grown up.
Gone was the light, playfullystylish dress, replaced now by a
sophisticated sensation,elegantly enveloped in a Dior
gown befitting Buckingham Palace.
(04:11):
How had they coaxed such acompletely matured
palette-warping experience froma single varietal To accomplish
all this without it even being ablend was nothing less than
pure sorcery.
The experience was just socomplete, so all-encompassing,
so perfect, so beautiful.
(04:32):
A person next to me, alsotasting the garacha for the
first time, expressed that ittasted so young, too young,
which reverberated in myconfused mind Young, too young.
How could my beautiful Grenacheever be too young?
(04:53):
Can we ever dance again?
Welcome back to another episodeof The Kosher Terroir, your
trusted source for everythingabout kosher wine.
I'm Simon Jacob and today we'vegot an exciting deep dive into
one of the world's most belovedgrape varietals Grenache.
From its humble origins inSpain to its prominent role in
(05:17):
the wine scene here in Israel,grenache's journey is one full
of history, adaptation andinnovation.
Grenache's journey is one fullof history, adaptation and
innovation.
So grab your glass, sit backand join me as we explore the
world of Grenache.
To truly understand Grenache,we must first journey through
its history, starting in Spain,where this grape was born, and
(05:40):
tracing its travels acrossEurope and into the New World.
Our story begins in Spain,specifically in the region of
Aragon, in the northeastern partof the country, where Grenache
is believed to have originated.
The grape is actually known asGarnacha in Spain, and it has
(06:02):
long been considered one of thecountry's most important and
widespread varieties.
While the exact timeline of itsdomestication is unclear, it's
believed that Grenache's rootsstretch back to the 12th century
, when it was first cultivatedby monks in the region.
Historical records suggest thatGarnacha was brought to Spain
(06:26):
by the Moors during theiroccupation of the Iberian
Peninsula.
However, it wasn't until the15th and 16th centuries that it
became more widely planted, withthe Aragon region being a
particular hotspot.
Hotspot, grenache's early usewas primarily for fortified
(06:48):
wines and blends, often pairedwith more tannic varieties to
balance their heavy structure.
It was during the 17th centurythat the wine industry in Spain
began to embrace Grenache'sunique ability to adapt to dry,
hot climates, and it started toappear more regularly in both
red and rosé wines.
The variety's high alcoholcontent, rich fruit flavors and
(07:13):
relatively low acidity made itan ideal grape for both warm
climates and for creating winesthat could stand up to long
aging.
Spain's warm Mediterraneanclimate helped Grenache flourish
, and by the late 18th centuryit had spread far beyond its
native region, reachingCatalonia, navarra and even the
(07:34):
Baleares Islands.
Here's a legendary tale of theSpanish invader In the 12th
century.
A Spanish winemaker named DonAlejandro is said to have
smuggled cuttings of Grenacheacross the Pyrenees, disguised
as something else.
The story goes that the vineswere so prized back in Spain for
(07:57):
their bold flavors and highyields that Don Alejandro
couldn't bear to leave thembehind when he moved to France.
That Don Alejandro couldn'tbear to leave them behind when
he moved to France.
Disguised in a bundle ofrosemary sprigs, which were
commonly transported, thecuttings made their way into
France undetected by thewatchful eyes of local customs
agents.
The plantings were initiallysecret, but once the vines
(08:22):
flourished, word spread andGrenache became one of the stars
of the Rhone Valley.
Whether this story is fact orfiction, it captures the spirit
of Grenache.
No-transcript.
(08:43):
Grenache's migration to Franceis a pivotal chapter in its
history, and it arrived just intime to make its mark on the
southern Rhone Valley in the18th century, it is believed
that Grenache was introduced toFrance from Spain via the
Catalonia region, where thegrape had been cultivated for
(09:04):
centuries.
While it was initially used inblends, it didn't take long for
French winemakers to recognizethe incredible potential of
Grenache.
By the 19th century, grenachehad firmly planted its roots in
the Rhone Valley, especially inthe Chateauneuf-du-Pape region,
where it quickly became thebackbone of many of the area's
(09:27):
famous red wines.
In fact, grenache accounts formore than 50% of the plantings
in Chateauneuf-du-Pape today.
It was in the early 1900s thatGrenache began to take on an
iconic role in the region'sfamous GSM blends, a combination
of Grenache, syrah andMourvedre, which produced wines
(09:51):
that were rich, fruit-forwardand balanced by deep tannins
from Syrah and Mourvedre.
These blends became thehallmark of Rhone wines, and
Grenache's ability to ripenfully in the warm climate of the
Rhone made it indispensable.
But it wasn't fully in the warmclimate of the Rhône made it
indispensable.
But it wasn't just in the RhôneValley where Grenache found
(10:12):
success.
As France expanded its wineculture, grenache spread to
other regions with similarclimates, such as
Languedoc-Roussillon andProvence, where it was used in
both red and rosé wines, andProvence, where it was used in
both red and rosé wines.
In these areas, grenache becameknown for producing fresh,
(10:33):
vibrant wines that were belovedby wine lovers and became a
staple of Mediterranean wineculture.
Grenache's rise to prominencein France was also helped by the
Phyllox-era epidemic in thelate 19th century, which
destroyed vast areas of Europeanvineyards.
When vineyards were replantedin the aftermath, grenache was
(10:57):
one of the varieties thatrecovered the fastest, cementing
its place in French winemakinghistory.
Grenache played a role in thegreat wine heist of 1834.
In the early 1800s, a notoriousFrench wine thief by the name of
Étienne Lavoisier, a man whohad an eye for valuable grapes,
(11:19):
was said to have stolen thefirst Grenache vines from the
vineyards of Chateauneuf-du-Pape.
According to legend, étiennehad been hired by a local
merchant to procure some of theregion's rarest varietals, but
in a twist of fate, he became soenamored with Grenache's
potential that he planted it insecret.
(11:41):
In a daring move, lavoisierreportedly walked through the
vineyards at night, carefullycutting off shoots of the prized
Grenache vines which hesecretly propagated.
Within a few years, his privateGrenache vineyard became the
(12:02):
stuff of legends and ironically,it was his heist that
contributed to Grenache's laterfame in the Rhône.
Some even claim that a smallsection of Grenache in Israel's
Golan Heights is geneticallyrelated to those stolen vines.
The story of the Grenache girl.
In the late 1800s, a mysteriouswoman known only as La Grenache
(12:23):
, became a local legend in thesouthern Rhone Valley.
She was a winemaker, but,unlike other growers who kept to
tradition, la Grenache wasknown for her radical approach
to winemaking, alwaysexperimenting with new methods
of aging, fermentation andblending.
Her signature wines madeexclusively from Grenache were
(12:48):
said to have an almost magicalability to balance fruit acidity
and tannins.
Townsfolk would gather aroundthe vineyards in the evenings
listening to her talk about thegrape's mysterious properties,
how it could adapt to anyclimate, how it aged gracefully
(13:09):
and how it seemed to reflect thesoul of the winemaker.
Though no historical recordsexist of La Grenache's true
identity, her wines are said tohave inspired generations of
winemakers to experiment withGrenache, and many still believe
that the soul of her legacylives on in the varietal's
(13:31):
versatility and charm.
These stories give you a mix ofhistorical intrigue, quirky
accidents and local legends, allwoven around the fascinating
Grenache grape.
Grenache's arrival in the UnitedStates came much later, but it
made a significant impact onceit arrived.
(13:51):
It wasn't until the late 19thcentury, when European
immigrants brought vines toCalifornia, that Grainache was
introduced to American soil.
The grape's adaptability towarm climates and its potential
for blending made it anattractive option for
California's budding wineindustry.
(14:13):
By the early 20th century,grenache was planted in
vineyards in California,primarily in Central Coast and
Paso Robles, where it thrived inthe sun-drenched hills.
While Grenache wasn't initiallya star player in California, it
played an important supportingrole in the creation of blended
(14:35):
wines during this period.
It wasn't until the 1990s andearly 2000s, when the California
wine industry began to lookmore seriously at Old World
varieties, that Grenache beganto receive the attention it
deserved.
In particular, paso Roblesbecame one of the most important
(14:57):
regions for Grenache in theUnited States.
The area's Mediterraneanclimate and diverse soils
mirrored the conditions found insouthern France and Spain, and
wineries began experimentingwith Grenache both as a single
varietal wine and as a part ofblends.
Today, grenache is consideredone of the top red grape
(15:21):
varieties in California,particularly for cool climate
regions like Santa Barbara andthe Sonoma Coast.
Its fruit-forward character,coupled with vibrant acidity,
makes it a standout insingle-varietal wines, while its
blending potential continues toshine in GSM wines, which are
(15:44):
now extremely popular across theUnited States, while Grenache's
journey took it from Spain toFrance to the United States.
No-transcript.
In the late 1990s, israel's wineindustry was undergoing a
renaissance, with winemakerslooking to plant international
(16:05):
varieties that could thrive inIsrael's diverse terroirs.
Grenache, with its heattolerance and ability to
flourish in dry climates, wasseen as a natural fit.
A natural fit.
Wineries in the Golan Heights,galilee and Judean Hills began
(16:25):
experimenting with Grenache, andits popularity has surged in
recent years.
Now Grenache is found in singlevarietal wines, blends and even
in rosé wines that areincreasingly celebrated for
their freshness and vibrancy.
Israel's Reconati, tabor andDalton winery have all helped
lead the charge in makingGrenache a household name in the
(16:49):
country's wine scene.
So what's next for Grenache inIsrael?
Are there any new blends on thehorizon?
While some wineries have beenquietly working with Grenache, a
number of producers are keepingtheir experimental projects
close to the chest.
However, there are whispersabout new blends that combine
(17:12):
Grenache with varieties likeTempranillo, zinfandel and even
the more robust CabernetSauvignon, zinfandel and even
the more robust CabernetSauvignon.
These blends are intended toshowcase the versatility of
Grenache while balancing itssometimes fruit-forward nature,
with the depth and structure ofmore tannic wines.
(17:32):
In fact, there are reports of afew boutique wineries some yet
to be revealed to the publicproducing limited-edition
barrel-aged Grenache blends thatwe may see come to market in
the next couple of years.
These wines are set to bring afresh, exciting edge to the
(17:52):
Israeli wine scene.
They may not be ready for awide release yet, but when they
are, they promise to give us awhole new way of experiencing
Grenache.
This is a story about Grenacheand the Israeli desert how a
grape thrived against all odds.
In the early 2000s, apassionate Israeli winemaker
(18:15):
named Avi Ben-Ari sought to testGrenache's adaptability to
Israel's more arid climates.
He planted the varietal in thedry desert soils near the Dead
Sea, one of the most extremeterroirs in the world.
Local farmers were skeptical,saying no grape could thrive in
(18:36):
such a hot saline environment,but Avi was determined to prove
them wrong.
Against all odds, the Grenachevines not only survived but
flourished, producing a smallbut incredibly concentrated
batch of wine.
The wine was a hit in the localmarket and it marked the
beginning of Grenache's successin Israel.
(18:58):
The myth around Avi's miraclevines still circulates in the
region, and the wine made fromthese first grapes is considered
a rare and highly sought-aftercollector's item.
So are Grenache and GrenacheBlanc actually the same grape
variety, where red Grenache isjust simply macerated on the
(19:21):
skin to produce a red wine?
Actually, no, grenache andGrenache Blanc are related, but
distinct grape varieties, eachwith its own unique
characteristics.
While they share a similar nameand are part of the same family
, they are not the same grapeand there are key differences
(19:42):
between them, particularly interms of their genetics and the
wines they produce.
Grenache Red, known as Grenache,or Garnacha as it's known in
Spain, is a red grape varietythat is known for its ability to
thrive in warm, dry climates.
The grape produces wines thatare typically fruit-forward,
(20:04):
with flavors of red berries,spices and herbs.
It's one of the most widelyplanted red wine grapes in the
world, often used in blends suchas GSM Grenache, syrah and
Mourvedre or as a varietal wineGrenache Blanc, though it is a
mutation of the red Grenache,syrah and Mourvedre or as a
(20:26):
varietal wine, grenache Blanc,though it is a mutation of the
red Grenache grape, the Blancvariety has distinct
characteristics.
Grenache Blanc is the whitewine mutation of the red
Grenache grape.
This means that it isgenetically a different grape
variety, though it shares muchof the same parentage as the Red
Grenache.
It is typically grown in warmerregions like the Rhone Valley
(20:49):
and Languedoc-Roussillon inFrance and is often used for
blending, but can also be madeas a varietal wine.
While the two share similarorigins and climatic preferences
, there are a few keydifferences.
(21:10):
The most obvious difference isthe berry color.
Grenache Blanc produces whitewine because the grape has white
or greenish skin, whereas thered Grenache grape has dark red
skin.
The reason for the white wineproduced by Grenache Blanc is
that its skins lack theanthocyanins that are present in
the red variety, skins whichare responsible for the color of
(21:32):
red wine.
There are also differences inthe winemaking process.
In the case of Grenache Blanc,the production process is
somewhat similar to that ofwhite wines made from red grapes
, where the skins are simply notmacerated during fermentation.
Red wine made from Grenache, onthe other hand, requires the
(21:55):
skins to stay in contact withthe juice during fermentation to
extract the color and tannins.
As far as style is concerned,grenache red wines are known for
their ripe red fruit flavors,spicy notes and often a smooth,
relatively low tannin profile.
Grenache Blanc wines tend to becrisp, floral and aromatic,
(22:21):
with flavors ranging from citrusto stone fruit, and they
typically have a medium to fullbody with a slightly rich
texture.
It's often used in blends withother white varieties like
Roussanne, marsanne and Viognierin regions like the Rhone
Valley.
There is a genetic connection,though.
(22:41):
Grenache Blanc is a mutation ofGrenache red.
This means they share a commongenetic ancestor, but over time
the mutation resulted in thedistinct white berry color and
slightly different flavors andwinemaking characteristics.
However, the genetic code forboth is very similar and they
(23:05):
are sometimes even thought of assiblings within the same family
of grapes.
So while Grenache Blanc is notjust a non-skin macerated
version of the red grape, as youmay have thought, macerated
version of the red grape, as youmay have thought, it is still
genetically linked to Grenacheand is often grown in the same
regions.
(23:26):
It's an interesting example ofhow a single grape variety can
evolve into different versionswith distinct characteristics.
It's said that the firstGrenache Rosé was born from a
French winemaker's unintentionalmishap.
The winemaker Jean-MichelDupont was known for his
(23:47):
perfectly structured red wines,but one year he accidentally
left his Grenache fermentinglonger than usual, resulting in
a Rosé instead of the deep redhe had expected, resulting in a
rosé instead of the deep red hehad expected.
Frustrated at first, dupontreluctantly bottled the wine and
presented it to a local dinnerparty, only to have guests rave
(24:16):
about the fresh, vibrantcharacter of the wine.
Word spread and the accidentalrosé soon became a local
favorite.
The story goes thatJean-Michel's unintentional
creation revolutionized the wayGrenache was perceived, sparking
the rise of Grenache rosé inboth France and Israel, where it
is now celebrated as one of thebest expressions of the grape.
(24:37):
From Spain's sun-drenchedvineyards to the lush Rhone
Valley, from California'scentral coast to Israel's hills,
grenache has traveled far andit's still evolving, with
winemakers constantly exploringnew ways to bring out its best,
whether in a Rhone-style blendor as a fresh, vibrant rosé.
(25:00):
Grenache has proven itself as agrape of adaptability and
complexity, but what makes ittruly exciting is how it
continues to surprise usgeneration after generation.
What makes Grenache so exciting, and why it should be on every
kosher wine lover's radar, isits adaptability.
(25:22):
It's a grape that thrives inmany conditions, but it also
tells the story of where it'sgrown.
In Israel, it reflects theunique microclimates and varied
terroirs of this fascinatingland, giving us an entirely
different flavor profilecompared to the classic
(25:42):
expressions from France or Spain.
But beyond just wine trends,there's the winemaking community
itself.
Israeli winemakers are trulypushing the boundaries of
tradition, experimenting withgrapes, blending methods and
aging techniques that make eachvintage feel like a new
(26:03):
discovery.
Keep an eye on Grenache it'sevolving right before our eyes
and if you're a fan of exploringfresh, exciting flavors,
there's a whole new world ofpossibilities opening up.
That's all for today's episodeof the Kosher Terroir.
If you've enjoyed this deepdive into Grenache, I'd love to
(26:23):
hear your thoughts.
Have you tasted a Grenache fromIsrael?
What did you think?
Feel free to reach out on ourwebsite at www.
thekosherterroir.
com, or find us on social media,and don't forget to subscribe
and leave us a review.
There's so much more comingyour way, so stay tuned for more
(26:48):
stories, interviews and expertinsights into the world of
kosher wine.
Until next time.
L'chaim time.
This is Simon Jacob, again yourhost of today's episode of The
(27:10):
Kosher Terroir.
I have a personal request.
No matter where you are orwhere you live, please take a
moment to pray for our soldiers'safety and the safe and rapid
return of our hostages.
Please subscribe via yourpodcast provider to be informed
of our new episodes as they arereleased, if you are new to The
(27:33):
Kosher Terroir.
Please check out our many pastepisodes.
Welcome to The Kosher Terroir.
I'm Simon Jacob, your host forthis episode from Jerusalem.
Before we get started, I askthat, wherever you are, please
take a moment and pray for thesafety of our soldiers and the
safe return of all of ourhostages.
If you're driving in your car,please focus on the road ahead.
(00:32):
Can we ever dance again?
Firstly, this is not aboutpolitical statements, nor is it
about my reaction to horrendousterrorist actions against
innocent children.
I'm far too mundane to postabout such serious matters.
That said, I am passionatepassionate about a number of
(00:53):
things and people, but many whotruly know me know that I am
obsessively passionate aboutwine, so I attended a wine
tasting last night that has leftmy mind abuzz.
The tasting was hosted byMichael Marciano of Micah Wines
and featured a good friend,david Cohen from LV Wines in
(01:15):
Spain, tasting through a numberof his latest releases.
To be honest, the mainattraction of the evening,
besides seeing old friends, wasthe promise of tasting a brand
new release their singlevarietal Grenache, bottled under
the close Masora brand asGaracha 2022.
(01:37):
Let me tell you about myfalling in love with Grenache.
Falling in love with Grenache.
I first encountered her back in2017 as part of a group of wine
enthusiasts who contracted withwinemaker Yakov Oriya to
produce a custom red blend, awine ultimately named Special
(01:57):
Oriya Blend, or SOB for short.
In order to facilitate itsproduction and the ultimate
acceptance by our group, yakovarranged a blending session,
which many of us attended, someeven flying in from abroad to
participate.
To our surprise, yakov unveiledfive component varieties that
(02:20):
he planned to include in thisblend.
He had us all taste eachcomponent separately, and I was
taken by each of the varietals,but really impressed with the
Grenache, as it was the firsttime tasting it as a single
varietal.
My romance with Grenache hadbeen ignited.
We went on that evening, underthe masterful instruction of
(02:44):
Yakov, to blend component bycomponent, tasting first-hand
the meaning of what winemakerscall, adding depth and
complexity, while achieving awhole wine that far exceeded the
sum of its parts.
The blend that was finallyproduced was grenache-heavy and
delightful.
(03:05):
I was totally smitten by thisSpanish-born charmer, a deeply
rich yet wonderfully playfulyoung enchantress.
We have mingled throughout theyears, provocatively entwined as
I've danced, with manystylistic variations introduced
by some of the most creativewine dreamers, from a light,
(03:28):
bright single varietal by DaniFriedenberg to the desert-grown
expression by Nana or the GSMblends from Pierre at Domaine
Netofa.
Grenache has never ceased todelight me.
There was that youthfuldynamism tempting me in each
glass.
But then the Clos Massoragaracha totally unraveled my
(03:49):
fantasy.
My taste buds were all preparedto dance, ready for that silky,
youthful temptress, but what Iencountered was all grown up.
Gone was the light, playfullystylish dress, replaced now by a
sophisticated sensation,elegantly enveloped in a Dior
gown befitting Buckingham Palace.
(04:11):
How had they coaxed such acompletely matured
palette-warping experience froma single varietal To accomplish
all this without it even being ablend was nothing less than
pure sorcery.
The experience was just socomplete, so all-encompassing,
so perfect, so beautiful.
(04:32):
A person next to me, alsotasting the garacha for the
first time, expressed that ittasted so young, too young,
which reverberated in myconfused mind Young, too young.
How could my beautiful Grenacheever be too young?
(04:53):
Can we ever dance again?
Welcome back to another episodeof The Kosher Terroir, your
trusted source for everythingabout kosher wine.
I'm Simon Jacob and today we'vegot an exciting deep dive into
one of the world's most belovedgrape varietals Grenache.
From its humble origins inSpain to its prominent role in
(05:17):
the wine scene here in Israel,grenache's journey is one full
of history, adaptation andinnovation.
Grenache's journey is one fullof history, adaptation and
innovation.
So grab your glass, sit backand join me as we explore the
world of Grenache.
To truly understand Grenache,we must first journey through
its history, starting in Spain,where this grape was born, and
(05:40):
tracing its travels acrossEurope and into the New World.
Our story begins in Spain,specifically in the region of
Aragon, in the northeastern partof the country, where Grenache
is believed to have originated.
The grape is actually known asGarnacha in Spain, and it has
(06:02):
long been considered one of thecountry's most important and
widespread varieties.
While the exact timeline of itsdomestication is unclear, it's
believed that Grenache's rootsstretch back to the 12th century
, when it was first cultivatedby monks in the region.
Historical records suggest thatGarnacha was brought to Spain
(06:26):
by the Moors during theiroccupation of the Iberian
Peninsula.
However, it wasn't until the15th and 16th centuries that it
became more widely planted, withthe Aragon region being a
particular hotspot.
Hotspot, grenache's early usewas primarily for fortified
(06:48):
wines and blends, often pairedwith more tannic varieties to
balance their heavy structure.
It was during the 17th centurythat the wine industry in Spain
began to embrace Grenache'sunique ability to adapt to dry,
hot climates, and it started toappear more regularly in both
red and rosé wines.
The variety's high alcoholcontent, rich fruit flavors and
(07:13):
relatively low acidity made itan ideal grape for both warm
climates and for creating winesthat could stand up to long
aging.
Spain's warm Mediterraneanclimate helped Grenache flourish
, and by the late 18th centuryit had spread far beyond its
native region, reachingCatalonia, navarra and even the
(07:34):
Baleares Islands.
Here's a legendary tale of theSpanish invader In the 12th
century.
A Spanish winemaker named DonAlejandro is said to have
smuggled cuttings of Grenacheacross the Pyrenees, disguised
as something else.
The story goes that the vineswere so prized back in Spain for
(07:57):
their bold flavors and highyields that Don Alejandro
couldn't bear to leave thembehind when he moved to France.
That Don Alejandro couldn'tbear to leave them behind when
he moved to France.
Disguised in a bundle ofrosemary sprigs, which were
commonly transported, thecuttings made their way into
France undetected by thewatchful eyes of local customs
agents.
The plantings were initiallysecret, but once the vines
(08:22):
flourished, word spread andGrenache became one of the stars
of the Rhone Valley.
Whether this story is fact orfiction, it captures the spirit
of Grenache.
No-transcript.
(08:43):
Grenache's migration to Franceis a pivotal chapter in its
history, and it arrived just intime to make its mark on the
southern Rhone Valley in the18th century, it is believed
that Grenache was introduced toFrance from Spain via the
Catalonia region, where thegrape had been cultivated for
(09:04):
centuries.
While it was initially used inblends, it didn't take long for
French winemakers to recognizethe incredible potential of
Grenache.
By the 19th century, grenachehad firmly planted its roots in
the Rhone Valley, especially inthe Chateauneuf-du-Pape region,
where it quickly became thebackbone of many of the area's
(09:27):
famous red wines.
In fact, grenache accounts formore than 50% of the plantings
in Chateauneuf-du-Pape today.
It was in the early 1900s thatGrenache began to take on an
iconic role in the region'sfamous GSM blends, a combination
of Grenache, syrah andMourvedre, which produced wines
(09:51):
that were rich, fruit-forwardand balanced by deep tannins
from Syrah and Mourvedre.
These blends became thehallmark of Rhone wines, and
Grenache's ability to ripenfully in the warm climate of the
Rhone made it indispensable.
But it wasn't fully in the warmclimate of the Rhône made it
indispensable.
But it wasn't just in the RhôneValley where Grenache found
(10:12):
success.
As France expanded its wineculture, grenache spread to
other regions with similarclimates, such as
Languedoc-Roussillon andProvence, where it was used in
both red and rosé wines, andProvence, where it was used in
both red and rosé wines.
In these areas, grenache becameknown for producing fresh,
(10:33):
vibrant wines that were belovedby wine lovers and became a
staple of Mediterranean wineculture.
Grenache's rise to prominencein France was also helped by the
Phyllox-era epidemic in thelate 19th century, which
destroyed vast areas of Europeanvineyards.
When vineyards were replantedin the aftermath, grenache was
(10:57):
one of the varieties thatrecovered the fastest, cementing
its place in French winemakinghistory.
Grenache played a role in thegreat wine heist of 1834.
In the early 1800s, a notoriousFrench wine thief by the name of
Étienne Lavoisier, a man whohad an eye for valuable grapes,
(11:19):
was said to have stolen thefirst Grenache vines from the
vineyards of Chateauneuf-du-Pape.
According to legend, étiennehad been hired by a local
merchant to procure some of theregion's rarest varietals, but
in a twist of fate, he became soenamored with Grenache's
potential that he planted it insecret.
(11:41):
In a daring move, lavoisierreportedly walked through the
vineyards at night, carefullycutting off shoots of the prized
Grenache vines which hesecretly propagated.
Within a few years, his privateGrenache vineyard became the
(12:02):
stuff of legends and ironically,it was his heist that
contributed to Grenache's laterfame in the Rhône.
Some even claim that a smallsection of Grenache in Israel's
Golan Heights is geneticallyrelated to those stolen vines.
The story of the Grenache girl.
In the late 1800s, a mysteriouswoman known only as La Grenache
(12:23):
, became a local legend in thesouthern Rhone Valley.
She was a winemaker, but,unlike other growers who kept to
tradition, la Grenache wasknown for her radical approach
to winemaking, alwaysexperimenting with new methods
of aging, fermentation andblending.
Her signature wines madeexclusively from Grenache were
(12:48):
said to have an almost magicalability to balance fruit acidity
and tannins.
Townsfolk would gather aroundthe vineyards in the evenings
listening to her talk about thegrape's mysterious properties,
how it could adapt to anyclimate, how it aged gracefully
(13:09):
and how it seemed to reflect thesoul of the winemaker.
Though no historical recordsexist of La Grenache's true
identity, her wines are said tohave inspired generations of
winemakers to experiment withGrenache, and many still believe
that the soul of her legacylives on in the varietal's
(13:31):
versatility and charm.
These stories give you a mix ofhistorical intrigue, quirky
accidents and local legends, allwoven around the fascinating
Grenache grape.
Grenache's arrival in the UnitedStates came much later, but it
made a significant impact onceit arrived.
(13:51):
It wasn't until the late 19thcentury, when European
immigrants brought vines toCalifornia, that Grainache was
introduced to American soil.
The grape's adaptability towarm climates and its potential
for blending made it anattractive option for
California's budding wineindustry.
(14:13):
By the early 20th century,grenache was planted in
vineyards in California,primarily in Central Coast and
Paso Robles, where it thrived inthe sun-drenched hills.
While Grenache wasn't initiallya star player in California, it
played an important supportingrole in the creation of blended
(14:35):
wines during this period.
It wasn't until the 1990s andearly 2000s, when the California
wine industry began to lookmore seriously at Old World
varieties, that Grenache beganto receive the attention it
deserved.
In particular, paso Roblesbecame one of the most important
(14:57):
regions for Grenache in theUnited States.
The area's Mediterraneanclimate and diverse soils
mirrored the conditions found insouthern France and Spain, and
wineries began experimentingwith Grenache both as a single
varietal wine and as a part ofblends.
Today, grenache is consideredone of the top red grape
(15:21):
varieties in California,particularly for cool climate
regions like Santa Barbara andthe Sonoma Coast.
Its fruit-forward character,coupled with vibrant acidity,
makes it a standout insingle-varietal wines, while its
blending potential continues toshine in GSM wines, which are
(15:44):
now extremely popular across theUnited States, while Grenache's
journey took it from Spain toFrance to the United States.
No-transcript.
In the late 1990s, israel's wineindustry was undergoing a
renaissance, with winemakerslooking to plant international
(16:05):
varieties that could thrive inIsrael's diverse terroirs.
Grenache, with its heattolerance and ability to
flourish in dry climates, wasseen as a natural fit.
A natural fit.
Wineries in the Golan Heights,galilee and Judean Hills began
(16:25):
experimenting with Grenache, andits popularity has surged in
recent years.
Now Grenache is found in singlevarietal wines, blends and even
in rosé wines that areincreasingly celebrated for
their freshness and vibrancy.
Israel's Reconati, tabor andDalton winery have all helped
lead the charge in makingGrenache a household name in the
(16:49):
country's wine scene.
So what's next for Grenache inIsrael?
Are there any new blends on thehorizon?
While some wineries have beenquietly working with Grenache, a
number of producers are keepingtheir experimental projects
close to the chest.
However, there are whispersabout new blends that combine
(17:12):
Grenache with varieties likeTempranillo, zinfandel and even
the more robust CabernetSauvignon, zinfandel and even
the more robust CabernetSauvignon.
These blends are intended toshowcase the versatility of
Grenache while balancing itssometimes fruit-forward nature,
with the depth and structure ofmore tannic wines.
(17:32):
In fact, there are reports of afew boutique wineries some yet
to be revealed to the publicproducing limited-edition
barrel-aged Grenache blends thatwe may see come to market in
the next couple of years.
These wines are set to bring afresh, exciting edge to the
(17:52):
Israeli wine scene.
They may not be ready for awide release yet, but when they
are, they promise to give us awhole new way of experiencing
Grenache.
This is a story about Grenacheand the Israeli desert how a
grape thrived against all odds.
In the early 2000s, apassionate Israeli winemaker
(18:15):
named Avi Ben-Ari sought to testGrenache's adaptability to
Israel's more arid climates.
He planted the varietal in thedry desert soils near the Dead
Sea, one of the most extremeterroirs in the world.
Local farmers were skeptical,saying no grape could thrive in
(18:36):
such a hot saline environment,but Avi was determined to prove
them wrong.
Against all odds, the Grenachevines not only survived but
flourished, producing a smallbut incredibly concentrated
batch of wine.
The wine was a hit in the localmarket and it marked the
beginning of Grenache's successin Israel.
(18:58):
The myth around Avi's miraclevines still circulates in the
region, and the wine made fromthese first grapes is considered
a rare and highly sought-aftercollector's item.
So are Grenache and GrenacheBlanc actually the same grape
variety, where red Grenache isjust simply macerated on the
(19:21):
skin to produce a red wine?
Actually, no, grenache andGrenache Blanc are related, but
distinct grape varieties, eachwith its own unique
characteristics.
While they share a similar nameand are part of the same family
, they are not the same grapeand there are key differences
(19:42):
between them, particularly interms of their genetics and the
wines they produce.
Grenache Red, known as Grenache,or Garnacha as it's known in
Spain, is a red grape varietythat is known for its ability to
thrive in warm, dry climates.
The grape produces wines thatare typically fruit-forward,
(20:04):
with flavors of red berries,spices and herbs.
It's one of the most widelyplanted red wine grapes in the
world, often used in blends suchas GSM Grenache, syrah and
Mourvedre or as a varietal wineGrenache Blanc, though it is a
mutation of the red Grenache,syrah and Mourvedre or as a
(20:26):
varietal wine, grenache Blanc,though it is a mutation of the
red Grenache grape, the Blancvariety has distinct
characteristics.
Grenache Blanc is the whitewine mutation of the red
Grenache grape.
This means that it isgenetically a different grape
variety, though it shares muchof the same parentage as the Red
Grenache.
It is typically grown in warmerregions like the Rhone Valley
(20:49):
and Languedoc-Roussillon inFrance and is often used for
blending, but can also be madeas a varietal wine.
While the two share similarorigins and climatic preferences
, there are a few keydifferences.
(21:10):
The most obvious difference isthe berry color.
Grenache Blanc produces whitewine because the grape has white
or greenish skin, whereas thered Grenache grape has dark red
skin.
The reason for the white wineproduced by Grenache Blanc is
that its skins lack theanthocyanins that are present in
the red variety, skins whichare responsible for the color of
(21:32):
red wine.
There are also differences inthe winemaking process.
In the case of Grenache Blanc,the production process is
somewhat similar to that ofwhite wines made from red grapes
, where the skins are simply notmacerated during fermentation.
Red wine made from Grenache, onthe other hand, requires the
(21:55):
skins to stay in contact withthe juice during fermentation to
extract the color and tannins.
As far as style is concerned,grenache red wines are known for
their ripe red fruit flavors,spicy notes and often a smooth,
relatively low tannin profile.
Grenache Blanc wines tend to becrisp, floral and aromatic,
(22:21):
with flavors ranging from citrusto stone fruit, and they
typically have a medium to fullbody with a slightly rich
texture.
It's often used in blends withother white varieties like
Roussanne, marsanne and Viognierin regions like the Rhone
Valley.
There is a genetic connection,though.
(22:41):
Grenache Blanc is a mutation ofGrenache red.
This means they share a commongenetic ancestor, but over time
the mutation resulted in thedistinct white berry color and
slightly different flavors andwinemaking characteristics.
However, the genetic code forboth is very similar and they
(23:05):
are sometimes even thought of assiblings within the same family
of grapes.
So while Grenache Blanc is notjust a non-skin macerated
version of the red grape, as youmay have thought, macerated
version of the red grape, as youmay have thought, it is still
genetically linked to Grenacheand is often grown in the same
regions.
(23:26):
It's an interesting example ofhow a single grape variety can
evolve into different versionswith distinct characteristics.
It's said that the firstGrenache Rosé was born from a
French winemaker's unintentionalmishap.
The winemaker Jean-MichelDupont was known for his
(23:47):
perfectly structured red wines,but one year he accidentally
left his Grenache fermentinglonger than usual, resulting in
a Rosé instead of the deep redhe had expected, resulting in a
rosé instead of the deep red hehad expected.
Frustrated at first, dupontreluctantly bottled the wine and
presented it to a local dinnerparty, only to have guests rave
(24:16):
about the fresh, vibrantcharacter of the wine.
Word spread and the accidentalrosé soon became a local
favorite.
The story goes thatJean-Michel's unintentional
creation revolutionized the wayGrenache was perceived, sparking
the rise of Grenache rosé inboth France and Israel, where it
is now celebrated as one of thebest expressions of the grape.
(24:37):
From Spain's sun-drenchedvineyards to the lush Rhone
Valley, from California'scentral coast to Israel's hills,
grenache has traveled far andit's still evolving, with
winemakers constantly exploringnew ways to bring out its best,
whether in a Rhone-style blendor as a fresh, vibrant rosé.
(25:00):
Grenache has proven itself as agrape of adaptability and
complexity, but what makes ittruly exciting is how it
continues to surprise usgeneration after generation.
What makes Grenache so exciting, and why it should be on every
kosher wine lover's radar, isits adaptability.
(25:22):
It's a grape that thrives inmany conditions, but it also
tells the story of where it'sgrown.
In Israel, it reflects theunique microclimates and varied
terroirs of this fascinatingland, giving us an entirely
different flavor profilecompared to the classic
(25:42):
expressions from France or Spain.
But beyond just wine trends,there's the winemaking community
itself.
Israeli winemakers are trulypushing the boundaries of
tradition, experimenting withgrapes, blending methods and
aging techniques that make eachvintage feel like a new
(26:03):
discovery.
Keep an eye on Grenache it'sevolving right before our eyes
and if you're a fan of exploringfresh, exciting flavors,
there's a whole new world ofpossibilities opening up.
That's all for today's episodeof the Kosher Terroir.
If you've enjoyed this deepdive into Grenache, I'd love to
(26:23):
hear your thoughts.
Have you tasted a Grenache fromIsrael?
What did you think?
Feel free to reach out on ourwebsite at www.
thekosherterroir.
com, or find us on social media,and don't forget to subscribe
and leave us a review.
There's so much more comingyour way, so stay tuned for more
(26:48):
stories, interviews and expertinsights into the world of
kosher wine.
Until next time.
L'chaim time.
This is Simon Jacob, again yourhost of today's episode of The
(27:10):
Kosher Terroir.
I have a personal request.
No matter where you are orwhere you live, please take a
moment to pray for our soldiers'safety and the safe and rapid
return of our hostages.
Please subscribe via yourpodcast provider to be informed
of our new episodes as they arereleased, if you are new to The
(27:33):
Kosher Terroir.
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