Grenache: taste, styles and the dishes that match

21 styles and 489 dish scores from our sommelier database

Grenache is a red grape with a character of its own — and that character decides which dishes it shines with. Our sommelier database holds dozens of Grenache styles, each with its own Wine DNA profile, scored against hundreds of dishes. From Rump steak with mushrooms to more surprising pairings: this is the complete guide.

Taste profile (Wine DNA)

Acidity58
Body67
Tannin45
Fruit69
Oak37
Minerality27

Averaged across the styles in our database, Grenache shows fresh acidity, is full-bodied and exuberantly fruity, with soft tannins.

Well-known Grenache styles

Price-wise Grenache covers the full range: of the 21 styles in our database, 38% sit in the entry segment, 52% mid-range and 10% at the top end. You will find both a weekday bottle and a cellar-worthy wine in this grape.

The best-scoring dishes with Grenache

The dishes below come from our expert scoring: every combination was scored by sommeliers using the Wine DNA of both dish and wine. These are the strongest matches for Grenache styles, from classic to surprising.

  1. Rump steak with mushrooms — best style: Rioja Crianza
  2. Fried beef fillet with blue cheese salad — best style: Rioja Crianza
  3. Beef carpaccio — best style: Rioja Crianza
  4. Steak tartare — best style: Rioja Crianza
  5. Beef carpaccio — best style: Rioja Crianza
  6. Fried rabbit saddle with Provencal herbs — best style: Grenache
  7. Grilled bergylt antiboise — best style: Rosé
  8. Beef carpaccio — best style: Rioja Crianza
  9. Beef carpaccio — best style: Rioja Crianza
  10. Beef Carpaccio with Pesto — best style: Rioja Crianza
  11. Beef carpaccio — best style: Rioja Crianza
  12. Beef carpaccio — best style: Rioja Crianza

Want to know if a specific bottle of Grenache matches your dish? Scan the label in the SommelierX app and see the match instantly.

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Frequently asked questions

What does Grenache taste like?
Averaged across the styles in our database, Grenache shows fresh acidity, is full-bodied and exuberantly fruity, with soft tannins. It varies by style: see the overview above.
What food goes with Grenache?
The highest scores in our sommelier work: Rump steak with mushrooms, Fried beef fillet with blue cheese salad, Beef carpaccio. The full list is above.
Is Grenache a red wine?
In our database Grenache is mostly made as a red wine (21 linked styles); regional exceptions exist.

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