Grenache GrisThe golden middle child of the Grenache family, delivering peachy Mediterranean charm!
Grenache Gris is a pink-skinned mutation of Grenache Noir, sharing the same Mediterranean origins in northeastern Spain and southern France. While its red sibling steals the spotlight and its white cousin Grenache Blanc gets plenty of attention, Grenache Gris quietly produces some of the most intriguing wines in regions like Roussillon, Languedoc, and Catalonia.
This underappreciated variety thrives in hot, dry climates where it develops concentrated flavors while maintaining surprising freshness. It's often blended with other Rhône varieties but increasingly appears as a single-varietal wine, especially from adventurous winemakers in southern France. The grape's ability to produce rich, textured wines with moderate acidity makes it a fascinating alternative to more common white varieties.
Despite its name suggesting a gray color, the grape's skin is actually a beautiful pink-copper hue, which can impart a subtle golden tint to the finished wine when handled with care.
How to recognize this grape variety?
Grenache Gris offers an exotic aromatic profile featuring ripe stone fruits like white peach and apricot, complemented by hints of honey, ginger, and white flowers. On the palate, expect a full-bodied, richly textured wine with flavors of poached pear, dried herbs, and sometimes a delightful saline minerality that speaks to its Mediterranean roots.
The wine typically shows moderate acidity with a pleasantly oily, almost glycerin-like mouthfeel that gives it real presence. Its weight and complexity make it perfect for pairing with richer dishes: think roasted chicken with herbs, grilled seafood, bouillabaisse, tagines, or creamy risottos. It's also wonderful with aged cheeses and charcuterie, especially those from Provence and Catalonia.
Grenache Gris production around the world
Here's the list of the top 5 producers of Grenache Gris worldwide.
FranceLanguedoc-Roussillon, Vallée du Rhône
1 500 haSpainCatalogne, Aragon
800 haAustraliaBarossa Valley, McLaren Vale
400 haSouth AfricaSwartland, Paarl
300 haUnited StatesCalifornie
300 haIf you like this grape variety...
Keep reading and discover other grape varieties.
Grape variety fact sheet
Origin
Spain



