Grenache Symposium
Name branding a type of wine isn’t easy, and with over 2,000 grape types world wide, it’s easy to get lost in the crowd. The grenache, a grape grown in most places in the world and used to mix into many well known wines, for some reason is one of those lost. Hopefully, that is about to change. Producers from all over the world who grow these grapes are getting together to work on the promotion of this wine. During the London wine fairs last week, near the New Cross metro stop, the Grenache Symposium with Vrazon presented afabulous night at The New Cross House Pub. Writers, bloggers, film makers and lovers of the grape Grenache attended. It was a beautiful night out in London, sunny and clear- obviously untypical for the normally gray city. The pub had a wonderfully cured patio area, including an old barn turned into a cute living area, fully equipped with tables and couches. We sat at one of the benches and started picking at the assortment of cheeses left for us on the table. The wines were brought out, and we were left to taste for ourselves the 100% Grenache wines brought from France, Spain and Australia. The typically light bodied wine I found to be heavier in all of the wines offered. Seemingly more new world in taste, I couldn’t help but think that maybe they were produced with a specific market in mind. That said, I found some to be more interesting than others. The Hisenda Miret by Pares Balta in the Penedes in Spain, was well rounded and balanced with a nice earthy taste mixing with the dark red fruits. It will age nicely but only for a short time since no wood was used to produce it. Eating a slice of spicy chopped meat and onion pizza between glasses, I spoke with friends and producers about wine, technology and travel. Pouring the next bottle, Chene Blue from the Rhone Valley, I was pleasantly surprised by its elegance. The rose version didn’t really make me smile, but the red was nice and easy, leaving touches of wild berried on my tongue. The following bottle was Teixar by Vinyes Domenech. A deep and intense Spanish wine aged for a year in French oak was my personal favorite of the night and washed down the mini burgers that were then being passed around. Slightly spicey with notes of balsamic and aloe, it was complex and intriguing while fresh and smooth. The night rolled on and one by one the wine lovers started leaving. It was a perfect night with wonderful food and company and a great start to kick off the Grenache promotion. Other wines present were, Clos de Caveau, Clos de Trias, and Domain de Mourchon.
