This distinctive red wine is only getting better.

The Aussie grenache story is a good one, especially if you have a thing for underdogs. This red grape variety was planted here way back in the 1800s, but it was long used in fortified wines and bulk blends, rather than given its own time (or wine) to shine. Considered a bit of a workhorse variety, it’s safe to say this grape was a little undervalued. Behind the scenes, however, plenty of savvy growers and makers were onto its potential and, in more recent years, grenache has fast become one of Australian wine’s greatest hits.

Versatile, resilient and featuring some of red wine’s most appealing traits – we’re talking bright red-fruit flavours, a smooth mouthfeel and a touch of spice for complexity – it’s hard to believe grenache was ever so overlooked. Luckily for us, producers around the country have been busy making up for lost time, particularly in South Australia, with McLaren Vale and the Barossa Valley particular hot spots for benchmark expressions. This means we now have a heap of quality, regionally distinctive grenache to enjoy, from classic blends to single-varietal wines.

Below, we take a look at where grenache comes from and what to expect from it, and we round up five top examples to try. Not too heavy for summer, grenache will also make a dream match for your Christmas lunch, so be sure to steal a couple of ideas for all your upcoming festive feasts.

A range of glasses of grenache on a table

Where does grenache come from?

Grenache originally hails from Spain where it’s known as garnacha, and it also grows in Italy (they call it cannonau over there), but it’s France’s Rhône Valley that’s arguably made this grape its own. In the southern Rhône, grenache is the key part of the much-loved trio that makes up the region’s red blends, together with shiraz and mourvèdre – Châteauneuf-du-Pape is one of its most celebrated appellations. In Australia, plenty of Rhône-style blends are rolling out in fine form, commonly known as GSMs, but producers are also playing with the ratios and order of these varietals, as well as showcasing grenache as a standalone variety.

The rise of grenache in Australia

With such old grenache vines in Australia, many producers have carefully tended these grapes for a long time and understand just how important they are. But it’s only been in recent years that Aussie grenache, particularly single-varietal examples, have been more widely embraced. When one of Australian wine’s most coveted top gongs – the Jimmy Watson Memorial Trophy at the Melbourne Royal Wine Awards – went to the Turkey Flat Grenache in 2017 (for the 2016 release), it was the first time a grenache had won the title. Since then, the same trophy has gone to a second grenache (by Hentley Farm), and two grenache have won the Halliday Wine Companion Wine of the Year (both times by Yangarra). This is a variety on the rise.

What does grenache taste like?

As our growers and producers learn so much more about how to get the best out of grenache, there’s an expanding spectrum of flavours and characters found in these wines. While grenache was once more commonly made here in a riper style, with jubey, almost confectionary-like flavours, newer practices such as picking grapes earlier and maturing the wines in different ways (ceramic eggs included) are bringing delicious results. Think red and blue fruits such as strawberry, cranberry and plum, and layers of herbal, savoury and spiced notes, including leather, tobacco and star anise. These wines are generally plush and easy going, and they’re a perfect fit if you always go for shiraz. They’re also a very good idea for barbecues.

Grenache to try

1. Cirillo The Vincent Grenache

There are few better places to start an Aussie grenache exploration than with the Barossa Valley’s Cirillo. Here, Marco Cirillo works with some of the oldest still-producing grenache vines in Australia, if not the world, and he crafts a range of grenache wines from these special, gnarly old vines. The Vincent is made in an approachable bright style, with fruit flavours shining alongside some super-subtle tannins. This is history (and deliciousness) in a glass.

Cirillo The Vincent Grenache is a classic example of great grenache

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The Shingleback NX Gen Grenache comes from McLaren Vale

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2. Shingleback NX Gen Grenache

This celebrated McLaren Vale producer sourced fruit out of two very different vineyards to create this tasty take on the variety. Strawberry and raspberry aromas mingle with lavender, cinnamon and star anise, while the flavours lean dark cherry and cranberry, with good spice and acidity in the mix to keep things fresh. An appealing wine, this would make a great thank-you bottle to hand over to every party host this season.

3. Little Giant South Australia Grenache

As you browse the wine shelves, you can’t miss the squat bottle for the Little Giant with a wombat on its label. It reflects the fact this producer is a Platinum supporter of WIRES, which provides assistance to wildlife, including the southern hairy-nosed wombat. As for the wine inside, if you’re into pinot, this is worth checking out, with concentrated red fruit flavours, subtle spice and acidity that helps to lift the finish.

The Little Giant McLaren Vale Grenache donates proceeds from sales to WIRES

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The Tread Softly Grenache is lighter in alcohol at around 10.5%

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4. Tread Softly Grenache

For a slightly lighter-in-alcohol alternative to traditional grenache, the Tread Softly generally sits between 10% and 11%, but still captures all those same tasty red-fruit flavours as well as the variety’s drinkability factor. This is a bright expression with berry and red-floral aromas, vibrant fruit flavours and a clean finish. Pair this one with all your charcuterie platters this season and you’re in for a cracking combo.

5. The Ethereal One Fleurieu Grenache

For an under-$20 superstar, you can’t go past The Ethereal One Grenache – it even took out the Value medal for the Lighter Red Wine Under $25 category in this year’s Decoded Wine Awards. The name is especially fitting, with a perfume and freshness that jumps out of the glass. Expect a smooth wine full of red and blackberry aromas and fruit flavours that will complete just about any meal you can throw at it.