Category Archives: Grenache/Garnacha

A visit to Cataluña’s Priorat district and the Morlanda winery

Posted on June 5, 2014 by The Frugal Wine Snob

Recently, I went on a media/trade trip to Spain to visit the Freixenet (pronounced “fresh-a-net”) properties. I learned about their famous Cava, the sparkling wine made in the Method Champenoise (more on that in another post). But besides Cava, I … Continue reading →

Posted in Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan, Cava, Grenache/Garnacha, Spain, Visits to Vineyards/Winemakers | 3 Comments

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: 2009 Kendall Jackson Vintner’s Reserve “Summation” red blend (43% Zinfandel, 24% Syrah, 21% Merlot, 5% Grenache, 4% Petite Sirah, 3% Other varietals), California. 13.5% ABV. $17 SRP, usually $13, available for as little as $8.99.

Posted on August 4, 2012 by The Frugal Wine Snob

Late last year, I reviewed the 2009 K-J “Summation” white blend and highly recommended it (see http://www.thefrugalwinesnob.com/?p=670). We’ve also enjoyed several bottles of the 2008 “Summation” red blend, which was a “special occasion” everyday house wine for us, if that … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Grenache/Garnacha, Merlot, Petite Sirah, Red Blend, Syrah/Shiraz, Zinfandel | 4 Comments

A flight of Chamisal wines: “A Taste of Summer” new releases. Online with the winemakers, TasteLive.com, May 24, 2012.

Posted on June 8, 2012 by The Frugal Wine Snob

The soft, lovely name Chamisal, pronounced “Shah-mih-sahl,” comes from the ubiquitous shrub, chamise chapparal (chamisal), that grows prolifically and up to 12-feet tall in their area. The first vineyard planted in the Edna Valley appellation (between San Francisco and Los … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Chardonnay, Grenache/Garnacha, Pinot Noir, Tastings | Leave a comment

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: Domaine Juliette Avril 2009 Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Southern Rhone. 14.5% ABV, $30-55.

Posted on March 12, 2012 by The Frugal Wine Snob

We don’t normally review wines that cost more than $20, but this one was so remarkable, we HAD to say something. If you can find this wine on sale, pick it up. It’s a marvelous blend of Grenache, Syrah, and … Continue reading →

Posted in France, Grenache/Garnacha, Mourvedre, Restaurants, Syrah/Shiraz | 2 Comments

STRONGLY RECOMMENDED: Dependable 2009 Red Blend (50% Syrah, 40% Grenache, 5% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon), Coteaux de Bessilles (Languedoc). 13% ABV. Difficult to find; $17.50 at Civilization, a bistro in Gainesville, FL, where it is their house red.

Posted on February 10, 2012 by The Frugal Wine Snob

Single-grape varietal wines can be astonishing, even stunning, when weather, harvest, and winemaker are in perfect synch. But it’s no secret we also admire, and often prefer, the skills of those winemakers who successfully blend superior (and dependable) wines, both … Continue reading →

Posted in Cabernet Sauvignon, France, Grenache/Garnacha, Merlot, Red Blend, Syrah/Shiraz | 3 Comments

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: elements by Artesa, 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon, AND elements 2006 Red Wine.

Posted on February 3, 2012 by The Frugal Wine Snob

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: elements by Artesa, 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon (85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petite Verdot and 1% Malbec), 62% Napa County, 38% Sonoma County. 14.4% ABV. Around $17 but available for as little as $12.99. We … Continue reading →

Posted in Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Graciano, Grenache/Garnacha, Malbec, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Petite Sirah, Red Blend, Tempranillo | 1 Comment

EXQUISITE: 2008 Girard Petite Sirah (89% Petite Sirah, 8% Zinfandel, 2% Mourvedre, 1% Grenache), Napa Valley. $22-30, available for as little as $17.99. 14.5% ABV.

Posted on January 18, 2012 by The Frugal Wine Snob

Once again, a “weighted blend” has won my heart. (In the U.S., a wine can be labeled a varietal, i.e. Petite Sirah, if it consists of 75% or more of that particular grape. However, it’s no secret that we find … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Grenache/Garnacha, Mourvedre, Petite Sirah, Zinfandel | Leave a comment

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: Torres, Sangre de Toro, 2009 Red Wine, Catalunya, Spain. Garnacha and Cariñena blend, 13.5% ABV. $11.99.

Posted on December 9, 2011 by The Frugal Wine Snob

This wine was recommended by one of our readers, so when I opened it, decanted it, and found the first scents and tastes to be young, rangy, and slightly funky, I thought, “Oh-oh. Hope I don’t have to disappoint someone, … Continue reading →

Posted in Carignan, Grenache/Garnacha, Red Blend, Spain | 5 Comments

RECOMMENDED: Project Paso 2010 Red Blend, Don Sebastiani & Sons, Paso Robles. 22% Grenache, 17% Petite Sirah, 16% Syrah, 15% Merlot, 9% Zinfandel, 8% Tempranillo, 7% Malbec, 4% Barbera, 2% Touriga Nacional. 13.8% ABV. $14, available for less than $10.

Posted on November 30, 2011 by The Frugal Wine Snob

Y’know how red blends with Cabernet Sauvignon are dominated by the Cab most of the time? That isn’t necessarily a bad thing, it’s just the way it is. I mean, if Robin Williams comes to your party, guess who’s going … Continue reading →

Posted in Barbera, California, Grenache/Garnacha, Malbec, Merlot, Petite Sirah, Red Blend, Syrah/Shiraz, Tempranillo, Touriga Nacional, Zinfandel | Leave a comment

Friday, September 23: Grenache Day

Posted on September 22, 2011 by The Frugal Wine Snob

Tomorrow is International Grenache Day! How are YOU going to celebrate?

Posted in Grenache/Garnacha, Wine Days | Leave a comment