grenache: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Specialist/Technical (wine and viticulture)
Quick answer
What does “grenache” mean?
A red grape variety widely used in winemaking, particularly in the Rhône Valley, Spain, and Australia.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A red grape variety widely used in winemaking, particularly in the Rhône Valley, Spain, and Australia.
A type of wine made primarily from the Grenache grape, typically characterized by high alcohol, low acidity, and flavors of red fruit and spice.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling is consistent. UK usage may more frequently reference Rhône blends (e.g., Châteauneuf-du-Pape), while US usage includes California and Washington State examples.
Connotations
Connotations are identical: wine connoisseurship, Mediterranean climate viticulture.
Frequency
Frequency is comparable and confined to wine-related contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “grenache” in a Sentence
Grenache (is) + [adjective] (e.g., fruity, spicy)[Region] + produces + grenacheA blend of + [grape] + and + grenacheVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “grenache” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- This vineyard plans to grenache part of the south-facing slope.
American English
- They decided to Grenache that plot instead of planting Syrah.
adjective
British English
- The grenache component gives the wine its warmth.
American English
- Look for Grenache-dominant blends from Paso Robles.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in the wine trade and export discussions.
Academic
Used in oenology, viticulture, and gastronomy studies.
Everyday
Used in discussions about wine choice, restaurants, and hobbies.
Technical
Central term in viticulture for describing vine characteristics, wine blends, and terroir suitability.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “grenache”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “grenache”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “grenache”
- Pronouncing the final 'che' as /tʃi:/ (like 'cheese') instead of /ʃ/ (like 'shoe').
- Using it as a general term for any red wine.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Garnacha is the Spanish name for the same grape variety.
It typically has flavours of red berries like strawberry and raspberry, along with spice, herbal notes, and sometimes a leathery character.
It is commonly used in blends (like Rhône blends) but is also bottled as a single-varietal wine.
Grenache generally produces wines with higher alcohol, lower acidity, and more robust red fruit flavours, while Pinot Noir is typically more delicate, tart, and earthy.
A red grape variety widely used in winemaking, particularly in the Rhône Valley, Spain, and Australia.
Grenache is usually specialist/technical (wine and viticulture) in register.
Grenache: in British English it is pronounced /ɡrəˈnæʃ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ɡrəˈnɑːʃ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Not applicable for this technical term.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'GREat NAscent red CHEer' – a great, newly appreciated red wine to cheer with.
Conceptual Metaphor
WINE IS A BODY: Grenache provides the 'fleshy' body or 'backbone' of a blend.
Practice
Quiz
Grenache is known for producing wines that are typically: