This Week: Well, late fall snow.. that was fun. As if we needed anymore validation to pour our glasses a little fuller. It won't be long before the Christmas decorations are back up - even though it seems like we just took them down. But let's not get ahead of ourselves.. Halloween first.

And.. Election Day! If you haven't dropped your ballot yet, this is probably the 18th reminder you're getting today from various platforms to do so. Need to get informed on the candidates & ballot questions? Get some friends together, open some wines, do some research, and discuss. Or go in alone with your own bottle. Just ideas :)

Anyways, Mary has a great rundown on Grenache below. The staff, per usual, have been drinking quite well and have great ideas for chilly weather pairings.

Keep wearing your mask, keep sanitizing - COVID is on the rise again so do your best to keep it away and contained.

Cheers,

The Team at NL Wine & Spirits

Mary's words on another one of those slightly under-valued grapes.

Grenache typically expresses itself with red fruit flavors such as strawberry, cherry, citrus (think pomegranate and blood orange) and spice. Grenache does well in hot climates. Don't let its similarity in the glass to Pinot Noir fool you; it can be just as full bodied as Cabernet Sauvignon that is grown in warmer to hotter regions. However, Grenache does not have the same tannin quality that Cabernet Sauvignon. Tannins are what cause the drying effect on the palate. Tannin quality for Grenache is generally low to medium.

FRANCE: Châteauneuf-du-Pape is perhaps the most famous expression of Grenache. This particular region is located in the Southern Rhone. The first Appellation in France to sign into law strict rules and regulations regarding the growing of grapes and making of wine. All for the sake of ensuring quality wines. Wines from here take on characteristics from the Garrigue (wild Thyme, Lavender, Rosemary and Sage), which grows everywhere. These wines can be cellared.

SPAIN: Priorat and Montsant are the two most well known regions for the Grenache grape. Here Grenache is known as Garnatcha. Priorat and Monsant are famously known for their Schist soil known locally as llicorella. Garnacha wines from these regions and the llicorella soil types have a unique flavor and aromatic profile. The llicorella often expresses itself as wet pavement. Imagine taking a walk in the rain on a warm summer night. Expect dark fruit flavors; black cherry, purple plums. Wines are fruit forward but also have an added complexity of savory and herbal notes.

ITALY: Sardinia is most famous for its Grenache wines. Known locally as Cannonau. Some years ago there was a huge craze for Cannonau. An article was written up somewhere.... The details evade me... about how great this wine is for its antioxidant properties. Above and beyond this minor detail, Cannonau from Sardinia (Sardegna) is known for its bright red fruit, savory undertones and full bodied deliciousness.

US: California Grenache is typically fruit forward, spicy and floral. A joy to drink. If you are new to Grenache, California is a great place to start!

Cheers everyone!

-The Team at North Loop Wine & Spirits