I first tasted a Garnacha red wine from Spain while dining at Iron Chef Jose Garces restaurant in Philadelphia, Amada. The food was amazing, and the red Garnacha wine selected to pair with our meal was truly memorable. I remember going to my wine store the next day to pick up a bottle because I loved it so much! I quickly learned that Garnacha from Spain was a very food-friendly wine and found myself wanting to pair it with lots of different dishes.
As I began my Spanish wine journey, I was surprised to learn that Spain is actually the third largest wine producer in the world. What’s great about Spanish wines is that you can really get some great tasting wines at a good price point. The Garnacha grape, or Grenache, as it’s known outside of Spain, is one of the most widely planted red grapes in the world. It is probably best known as one of the key grapes in some of the world’s most famous wines – especially in France’s Cotes du Rhone region. However, the Garnacha grape, is actually native to Spain, having been grown there since at least the 1500s. The grape produces wines with light-medium tannins, low acidity with red fruit flavors and a hint of herbs and spice. It is a thin-skinned grape that is often blended with other varietals however some of the best Garnacha wines are made from 100% Garnacha grapes.
The best way to think about Spanish wines is by understanding the different climates which produce very different wines. There are roughly 7 different wine regions in Spain. While the Garnacha grape is grown in several regions, the region producing much of the Garnacha red wines is the Mediterranean coastal areas of Priorat and Calatayud.
Calatayud
This area of Spain has a warmer climate where late-ripening Garnacha grapes can get very high sugar levels. This means the alcohol levels are usually above 15%, which adds both body and spice. Additionally, this region produces some very good Rose wines.
Priorat
Priorat is home to some of the oldest vines in Spain. The area is known for being very difficult to grow and maintain crops due to the extremely steep hills. However, there has been a production resurgence in the area and some of the best Garnacha wines are coming from this region.
Pairings
Since Garnacha wines range in body from light to medium, you have lots of different options for food pairings. Light Garnacha can be paired with poultry or pork or spicier foods with red pepper and paprika flavors. I specifically like to pair light-bodied Garnacha with oily fish such as salmon or trout that have been grilled. A fuller-bodied Garnacha is the perfect pairing for a juicy grilled steak. And don’t forget, Spanish Garnacha pairs beautifully with Spanish cheeses such as Manchego and Petit Basque!
My Favorite Pairings
Chorizo Pasta with Spinach and Manchego
A simple pasta dish with classic Spanish
flavors. Perfect Garnacha pairing!
To learn more about Grenache-based wines from France, check out my Cotes du Rhone pairing page.
