This grape variety is of Spanish origin. In France, it is grown along the Mediterranean coast and in the Rhône Valley. There are tens of thousands of hectares of Grenache Noir vineyards in Spain. Grenache Noir is also grown in Greece, Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco, California, Argentina, Uruguay, and Australia. This grape variety is difficult to grow. It is very vigorous and may have problems with poor fruit set and hardening off. It needs to be pruned short. It is susceptible to bacterial necrosis, dead-arm disease, grape caterpillars, and gray rot. Wine quality deteriorates sharply as yields increase, with loss of color and concentration, so this variety should not be planted in fertile soils. It gives excellent results on hillsides with stony soils and carefully controlled yields. Under these conditions, the wines are powerful and very aromatic (red-berry and violet bouquet), with good aging potential, especially in blends with varieties such as Syrah. Grenache Noir also produces wonderful Vins Doux Naturels (fortified wines), with complex honey, candied fruit, and chocolate aromas.
Synonym : Granacha Tinta