Gabrielle’s Favorite Wines
Grenache
The Laid-back Wine Lover
Meet Gabrielle, originally from Spain but now spending most of her time in France. She's laid-back and cheerful, with a medium build and a genuine love of wine.
She adores warm, sunny weather, though she's careful not to tan, so she often wears a hat and keeps a paler complexion. She dresses mostly in red, sometimes light pink. She has two best friends, Sylvie from France and Teresa from Spain.
In wine terms? Gabrielle is Grenache, or Garnacha if you catch her back home in Spain.
Though Grenache's roots are in Spain, these days it's grown even more widely in France, especially the Southern Rhône Valley. Great examples of Grenache can also be found in Italy, the US, and Australia.
Expect a medium-bodied wine with low acidity and low-to-medium tannins, plus a noticeably higher alcohol content than most reds. In the glass, Grenache is pale ruby, semi-translucent at the edges. On the palette, you'll pick up candied red fruits like strawberry and raspberry, cinnamon, orange zest, and a touch of dried herbs.
Grenache is often blended: with Syrah in France's Rhône Valley, home to her best friend Sylvie, and with Tempranillo in Spain, home to her other best friend Teresa. Though it can also stand on its own as a single-variety wine.
Now let's find you some bottles she'd actually approve of.
Gabrielle's Top Picks
We picked bottles from Grenache's homeland and beyond. All available on Pop Up Wine Singapore. Click any wine name to shop it.
1. For a casual weeknight
Château Maucoil : Côtes du Rhône Villages Red 2023
Rhône, France | $46 / bottle
Gabrielle says: "This is my everyday glass. It's Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre from an organically farmed estate whose Châteauneuf-du-Pape vines have been organic since 2011, and past vintages of this same wine have picked up 90 and 91 points from critics like James Suckling and Wine Enthusiast, vintage after vintage. Easy to love, easy to pour."
Pairs with: Roast chicken, grilled sausages, or a simple tomato pasta
2. For great value-for-money
Hewitson : "Ungrafted" Grenache 2023
Barossa Valley, Australia | $53 / bottle
Gabrielle says: "These vines are over 100 years old and never grafted, which is rare and kind of wonderful. Dark berries, warm spice, and a touch of almond. It picked up 96 points from Sam Kim at Wine Orbit, plus eight more scores in the 93 to 95 range from other critics. Great wines don't have to break the bank."
Pairs with: Slow-roasted pork, grilled lamb, or aged cheddar
3. For the Grenache explorer
Swinney : Frankland River Grenache 2020
Frankland River, Western Australia | $65 / bottle
Gabrielle says: "This Grenache is a little unusual. It grew in Frankland River, the coldest wine region in continental Australia so expect more firm, structured tannins than most. Cherry, blood orange, and a graphite minerality, backed by firm, structured tannins. It scored 95 points from both Halliday Wine Companion and The Wine Front. Give it a decant and let it open up."
Pairs with: Duck breast, mushroom risotto, or a charcuterie board
4. For a Southern Rhône classic
Gigondas, Rhône, France | $65 / bottle
Gabrielle says: "Gigondas is one of my favorite spots in Southern Rhône. A classic Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre blend with red plums, nectarines, and dried flowers. Full-bodied with real depth. James Suckling gave it 91 points and it also picked up a Bronze at the Decanter World Wine Awards. Serve this with a grilled steak and watch it disappear."
Pairs with: Braised lamb shoulder, grilled steak, or a hard sheep's cheese
5. To impress at a dinner party
Château Maucoil : Châteauneuf-du-Pape Tradition Red 2020
Châteauneuf-du-Pape, France | $79 / bottle
Gabrielle says: "This is a Grenache blend from its most famous address, Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Redcurrant and cherry fruit with smooth tannins and a long, creamy finish, from vines grown on those iconic stone-covered plots. Wine Enthusiast gave it 94 points and it also picked up a Bronze at the Decanter World Wine Awards. Bring this one when you want to make an impression."
Pairs with: Herb-crusted rack of lamb, beef short rib, or a mushroom tart
6. For a special occasion
Domaine de la Mordorée : Châteauneuf-du-Pape "La Dame Voyageuse" 2021
Châteauneuf-du-Pape, France | $142 / bottle
Gabrielle says: "Mordorée is one of the most respected names in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, and this blend is 90% me. Summer flowers, cherries, raspberries and strawberries, with silky, fine tannins and a long, savory finish. James Suckling scored it 94, and it also picked up 91 from both Robert Parker's Wine Advocate and The Wine Cellar Insider. Save this one for someone special."
Pairs with: Roast leg of lamb, duck confit, or a proper cheese board
Grenache Cheat Sheet
| Body | Medium-bodied, with higher alcohol content than most reds |
| Color | Pale ruby, semi-translucent |
| Tasting notes | Candied red fruits like strawberry and raspberry, cinnamon, orange zest, and a touch of dried herbs |
| Serve at | 15–20°C |
| Best with | Roasted meats, grilled lamb, dishes with warm spice like cumin or five-spice |
| Avoid with | Delicate white fish, raw seafood, very light salads |
| Glass type | Universal wine glass (a wide bowl helps the fruit and spice open up) |
Meet Gabrielle
Haven’t met Gabrielle yet? Enter Vino Village. Hear her stories, pass her challenges, and unlock new characters.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.