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 Black pudding to more surprising pairings: this is the complete guide.
Taste profile (Wine DNA)
Averaged across the styles in our database, Grenache shows fresh acidity, is full-bodied and exuberantly fruity, with soft tannins.
Well-known Grenache styles
- Châteauneuf-du-Pape · Rhône Valley — full-bodied, soft acidity, firm tannins
Rich, spicy and complex southern Rhône benchmark led by Grenache. - Gigondas · Rhône Valley — full-bodied, fresh acidity, firm tannins
Powerful, ripe and spicy southern Rhône red with a pronounced red-fruited Grenache character. - Grenache California · California — full-bodied, soft acidity, soft tannins, subtle oak notes
Generously fruited, warm and lightly spicy California Grenache with subtle oak ageing. - Grenache New World classic style · New World — full-bodied, fresh acidity, soft tannins, generous oak ageing
De hoogste kwaliteit wijnen uit de Nieuwe Wereld van deze druivensoort. - Grenache · Southern Europe — full-bodied, fresh acidity, soft tannins, subtle oak notes
Hoogste kwaliteiten van rode wijnen van deze druivensoort. - Côtes du Rhône Villages · Rhône Valley — full-bodied, fresh acidity, soft tannins
Een vrij krachtige, soms kruidige rode wijn van blends met meestal de grenache-druivensoort. - Priorat · Priorat — full-bodied, fresh acidity, firm tannins, generous oak ageing
Very powerful, spicy and alcoholic wines from the region by the same name near Barcelona.
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.
- Black pudding — best style: Grenache Southern Europe
- Himmel und Erde — best style: Grenache Southern Europe
- Leberkäse — best style: Grenache Southern Europe
- Jamon iberico — best style: Grenache Southern Europe
- Cordon bleu — best style: Grenache Southern Europe
- Mushroom pate — best style: Grenache Southern Europe
- Coq au vin — best style: Grenache Southern Europe
- Pork shoulder — best style: Grenache Southern Europe
- Saddle of venison — best style: Grenache New World classic style
- Gammon steak — best style: Grenache Southern Europe
- Scotch egg — best style: Grenache Southern Europe
- Stuffed bell peppers — best style: Grenache Southern Europe
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: Black pudding, 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.