Lledoner Pelut is a synonym for the well-known Grenache grape variety. Whether under the name Grenache or Garnacha or under some other names, this variety is one of the most widely grown grape varieties in the world and takes third place in the international grape variety list. Originally it was assumed that Garnacha came from Spain, specifically Aragon. However, detailed investigations have shown that it comes from the island of Sardinia, where it is grown as Cannonau. The origin of the name is controversial; it could be derived from the Italian Vernaccia as well as from the Catalan town of Garnaxa. The Garnacha prefers warm climate zones, which is why it is particularly widespread in the Mediterranean region, also because its early budding means it is not exposed to the risk of spring frosts. Unfortunately, it is very susceptible to a variety of diseases such as rot, bacterial diseases, rot, powdery mildew and many more. The variety is quite resistant to wood diseases, which is why there are many plants with very old vines in Europe as well as in countries in the New World. The Garnacha is suitable for single-varietal development, as is done in parts of Spain and Australia, as well as for blending, such as in Rioja or southern France, or for GSM in Australia. Rosé wines can also be made from it. Its largest areas are in Spain, on the southern French Mediterranean coast and in Sardinia. But it can also be found in small quantities in almost every country bordering the Mediterranean. Vineyards are growing in Australia as GSM, a blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre based on the southern French model, is becoming increasingly popular. In the Barossa Valley there are even still plants with vines that are over a hundred years old. In other countries of the New World, however, Garnacha only plays a minor role. Sardinia Rioja, Navarra, Castile-La Mancha, Castile-León, Valencia, Languedoc-Roussillon, Provence, Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas, Australia, South Africa, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, USA, New Zealand, Portugal, Switzerland, Turkey, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Cyprus, Israel, Morocco, Romania Sand, loess, slate, granite, Gneiss pronounced fruity-spicy, plum, blackberry, fresh herbs, spices, dried fruits such as figs and dates, full-bodied, velvety low medium medium very long ripening period after early budding drink, 2–8 years barbecue, herbed lamb, game ragout, saddle of venison, beef steaks € 5,– € 65,– Shiraz, Monastrell, Zinfandel
This grape variety is also known by the name of:
Granacha Tinta, Grenache Rouge
