Friday, September 16th was International Grenache Day and we celebrated it in style with the Northern California chapter of the Rhone Rangers. The event was held at Two Shepherds winery in Windsor, CA. It was such an honor to have been invited by Kristie Tacey of Tessier Winery who also hosted us for a private tasting in Healdsburg before the event. William Allen of Two Shepherds was a gracious host!
We tasted some great styles of Grenache and had the chance to meet most of the participating Rhone Rangers. Perhaps some don’t know that there are two types of Grenache: Grenache Noir and Grenache Blanc. Although Grenache Noir (the “red” one) is more common, it is mostly known as a blending grape. It is frequently found blended with the likes of Syrah and Tempranillo. Many producers blend Syrah into Grenache to achieve a darker color and a firmer tannin structure. But we love it on its own, especially as a rosé!
Thank you to the Rhone Rangers for organizing this great event. They do good work, indeed! The Rhone Rangers are the leading non-profit organization in the U.S. dedicated to promoting American Rhone varietal wines. American “Rhone-style” wines are made from the same grapes that flourished for centuries in France’s Rhone River Valley. These wines pair well with a wide range of food and rich flavors. We love to pair Grenache with highly spiced dishes, grilled meats, and sausages.