There is no hiding the fact that there are certain grape varietals that have dominated the market over the last couple of years. There is those that love Pinot Noir from the U.S., Shiraz from Australia, and of course Pinot Grigio from Italy. One of the fun parts of working in this industry is you get the chance to see what else is out there and take that knowledge back and inform customers about new (or old) wines that they will like.
Grenache Blanc (known in Spain as Garnacha Blanca) is a variety of white wine grape that is related to the red grape Grenache. It is mostly found in Rhône wine blends and in northeast Spain. Grenache Blanc is thought to have originated as a mutation of the red version of Grenache in Spain. It then spread across the Pyrenees to France, finding a second home in the Rhône.
In France Grenache Blanc is an important variety in the Rhône, often blended with Roussanne in wines such as the white Château de Beaucastel, and even being included in some red wines. There are 15,000 hectares planted in Roussillon alone, helping it to the position of fourth most common white grape in France.
In Spain it is mostly found along the Pyrenees, particularly in Terra Alta in Catalonia. It is also important in the white wines of Rioja and Navarre.
Terra Alta is a sparsely populated inland comarca (county) in Catalonia, Spain. Terra Alta, the home to Via Terra, is, as its name implies, a highland region. The great beauty of Terra Alta was captured in paintings by Picasso in the summers that he spent there. Grown in these rolling hills, the Garnacha Blanca of Via Terra provides a white wine exhibiting ripe flavors of peach and anis flower with beautiful underlying minerality. Keeping with the philosophy that wine should have a “sense of place” and represent the terroir from which it is grown, this wine is truly Via Terra “From the Earth”.
We wrote about this wine awhile ago, though no one new what this grape was so we figured we would tackle the subject and give you a better idea of what to expect.
The 2006 Via Terra Garnacha Blanca is a great example of this varietal. Its a great alternative for Pinot Grigio lovers looking to turn up the volume a bit! Light to medium in body, yet nice intensity to the crisp flavors. This wine is perfect for seafood cocktails, white flaky fish or pasta in olive oil sauces.
For those looking to try something new we highly recommend this wine as a great summer white. Throw some clams and shrimp skewers on the grill and you have a great afternoon meal matched with this wine and you have a fabulous afternoon meal.
We gave this wine 90 points since it offers awesome intense flavors. Try a bottle and let us know what you think!
As always ask us if there is any other varietal you would like to learn a little more about or another alternative to what you are already drinking!!!
Via Terra Garnacha Blanca can be ordered online at The Wine Buyer or you can find it at any one of our 13 Bottle King locations.
Looking to learn more about the Terra Alta region of Spain? Click here for their official website.
Filed under: Grilling, Hot New Wines, Spain, Spanish Wine, Wine, Winery Features
