Australia
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Though Australia lacks the history and tradition of other top wine-producing countries like France and Italy, it has definitely made its mark on the international wine market in recent years. During the 1990s, winemaking and wine exports boomed in Australia. Though the market has come back to earth a bit in recent years, Australia is still the fourth-largest exporter of wine in the world. When casual wine drinkers think of Australian wine, they probably think of the critter-laden labels of Yellow Tail and The Little Penguin, among others. And while large wine companies dominate the Australian list, there are also a great number of smaller producers creating highly-rated, award-winning wines. The majority of Australian wine is produced in South Australia, with most of that (those “critter wines”) carrying a South Eastern Australia appellation. Subregions such as Barossa Valley, Coonawarra and McLaren Vale are home to smaller producers and higher quality wines. Victoria and New South Wales are also significant regions, and wines from Western Australia are reaching America in increasing numbers. Though Shiraz is the grape most associated with Australia, they’ve also had great success with Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Riesling and Grenache. |
Grenache/Rhone Blends
Top countries producing this wine: |
Grenache (formally Grenache Noir) is one of the world’s most widely planted red grape varieties, yet the name is only faintly familiar to the majority of wine drinkers. It is the dominant grape in the famed spicy wines of France’s southern Rhône, with Syrah, Mourvèdre and Carignan filling in the blend. Grenache is much cherished in those sunny vineyards, especially in the handcrafted beauties of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, where it achieves its greatest heights. In one of its more affordable incarnations, red Côtes-du-Rhône, Grenache is the quintessential bistro wine and has been adopted as the beloved everyday red of many a wine enthusiast. Grenache thrives in a hot, dry Mediterranean type climate, ripening with high sugar levels and producing wines with potential alcohol levels of 15–16%. Much like California Zinfandel, these wines are fruity and soft on the palate, almost liqueur-like in texture, with low tannins and acidity. Grenache benefits greatly from blending with a sturdy grape like Syrah or Tempranillo, both of which add tannin and acidity to the soft, fleshy grape. In Australia, these Grenache blends are labeled simply “GSM” (Grenache, Shiraz, Mourvèdre). With careful vineyard management, low yields and good winemaking, Grenache can be intensely concentrated, with gobs of red berry fruits made complex what the French call “garrigue” — a savory, fresh herb characteristic scented with sage, thyme, lavender and rosemary. Grenache reputedly originated in Spain, where it is called Garnacha, and suitably for its friendly, open character, it is often used as a blending grape, notably in the wines of Priorat and Rioja. In Italy, Sardinia claims to be its birthplace; they call it Cannonau, and it produces that region’s finest red. California has its own band of fans called the “Rhône Rangers,” a group of winemakers devoted to increasing the popularity of Rhône-variety grapes. |
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Chateau Chateau Chateau Grenache
2006 / 750 ml.
Australia | South AustraliaItem #26479Limited inventory.
7 bottles or less in stock; we will confirm your order by email. -
Chateau Chateau Island Ebenezer Grenache
2007 / 750 ml.
Australia | Barossa | Barossa ValleyItem #29655Limited inventory.
2 bottles or less in stock; we will confirm your order by email. -
Clarendon Hills Blewitt Springs Grenache
2003 / 750 ml.
Australia | Fleurieu | McLaren ValeItem #22911 -
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d’Arenberg The Stump Jump Grenache Shiraz Mourvèdre
2009 / 750 ml.
Australia | Fleurieu | McLaren ValeItem #29776 -
De Lisio Grenache
2004 / 750 ml.
Australia | Fleurieu | McLaren ValeItem #22154Limited inventory.
10 bottles or less in stock; we will confirm your order by email.




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