The Grenache Grape: Characteristics and Properties

The Grenache grape is characterized by being an extremely versatile product. Find out about all its benefits today!

Written and verified by the nutritionist Saúl Sánchez Arias.

Last update: 15 January, 2023

The grenache grape is a fruit associated with the production of medium-quality wines, whose fame has grown in recent years. It has Aragonese origins and has quickly spread throughout Spain.

It’s a fruit that withstands extreme temperatures and adapts to poor soils, which facilitates its cultivation. It withstands heat and can be planted at high altitudes.

Before we begin, we should point out that grapes are a product with a high concentration of antioxidants. It’s always best to consume them raw rather than in their wine form. A portion of the polyphenols are oxidized during the process of obtaining the alcoholic beverage, which reduces its antioxidant effect.

Characteristics of the Grenache grape

The Grenache grape is characterized by being an extremely versatile product. It can be consumed as such or used to make different wines, some of which are highly prized.

It has good resistance to oxidation and can be produced in large quantities. In fact, it’s present in all regions of Spain, except Galicia, Asturias, and the Canary Islands.

It is used to make young wines with the aroma of freshly ground pepper. The aging of these wines is short, but they manage to maintain an attractive color and an aroma of ripe fruit.

In general terms, they’re round and pleasant wines with a high aromatic intensity. They also have good aging capacity. There is even a worldwide competition for wines made from this grape.

Varieties

There are 3 main varieties of the Grenache grape:

1. The first of these is characteristic of Aragón. It’s a red variety considered one of the most widely planted in Spain. It’s used to produce red, rosé, or sweet wines. There’s even the option of producing some aromatic wines with a low color intensity and high alcohol content.
2. Garnacha Blanca is a mutation that adapts well to hot, dry climates. From it, aromatic and fruity, full-bodied white wines are obtained. Their alcohol content is also high. Likewise, the color obtained at the end resembles a golden yellow.
3. Lastly, we have the bright purple Garnacha Tintorera. The wines obtained from it have a lot of color and dry extract. It’s usually used for blending. The final result will maintain a high acidity, but with a moderate alcohol content.

Benefits of Grenache grapes

The consumption of raw Grenache grapes produces a number of beneficial health effects. Of particular note is its concentration of phytochemicals with antioxidant capacity.

These can induce the synthesis of nitric oxide in the body, which improves the functioning of the cardiovascular system. This is evidenced by research published in the journal Vascular Pharmacology.

These compounds can also neutralize the formation of free radicals, preventing their accumulation in the tissues. This mechanism has been shown to reduce the incidence of chronic and complex pathologies, which has a very positive long-term effect. Keeping oxidation and inflammation under control is key to slowing the aging processes.

Care

It should also be noted that grapes provide a high amount of simple sugars. These compounds could alter blood glucose levels. Their continued consumption in sedentary contexts could be related to a higher incidence of metabolic pathologies, such as diabetes.

The Grenache grape is a widespread and prized variety

The Grenache grape has progressively spread throughout Spain, giving rise to high-quality wines with very characteristic touches. Its alcohol content is high, but this doesn’t mean that its organoleptic qualities aren’t good.

You can obtain white wines from them as well as red wines. There are 3 different varieties of grapes that are worth knowing about.

It should be taken into account that the best way to take advantage of the benefits of this fruit is to consume it raw. When we talk about wine, we’re referring to a beverage that has a toxic content, which can affect internal homeostasis.