International Grenache Day: France Vs Australia

Australian wine lovers are reaching more and more for lighter styles of wine. Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, and Grenache are popping up more and more on wine lists across the country. Grenache was often relegated to being used as a blending grape, but in recent years Australian winemakers have begun to play and experiment with the grape to make a drop that is truly suited to the Australian summer.

International Grenache Day was the 20th of September and to celebrate The Plus Ones were sent two special Grenache wines, one from Cellarmasters — Blood Brothers Republic Blewitt Springs McLaren Vale 2018 Grenache — and one from Young and Co. — a stylish French expression dubbed Berry Riot. We decided to celebrate Grenache Day by pitting both wines against one another, it’s Australia Vs France!

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Blood Brothers Republic BBR Grenache

This Grenache is supremely smooth easy-drinking red with rich berry fruits and generous palate. Light in body but powerful in flavour. It’s deep crimson red in colour with dark berries and peppery spices on the nose complemented by more savoury flavours of cedar, clove and nutmeg. It would work well with hearty meat dishes and lighter cheese boards alike. It’s a perfect food wine! Blood Brother Republic winemakers source the finest fruit parcels from McLaren Vale, with this particular drop featuring fruit grown in the Blewitt Springs sub-region. This particular vintage has just been released and is available on Cellarmasters’ website from $21.58 in a case of 12.

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Young and Co. Berry Riot French Grenache

This Grenache is perfectly named. As soon as it is poured into a glass there is a powerful aroma of fresh red berries, raspberries and strawberries. It is also light in body with an elegant structure with the strong berry flavours balanced with a touch of spice for a long finish. Arguably not as complex as the Blood Brother Republic but much more fruit-forward, a lovely easy-drinking option this summer. Young & Co. is a stylish new wine brand launched earlier this year, self-described as a “lip-smacking fusion of flavour, fashion, and flair.” Available at BWS for $22 a bottle.

Both are gorgeous examples of Grenache wines, Young and Co is the young fun sister full of bright red fruits and sass, perfect for summer; whereas the Blood Brother Republic is the elder sister, more refined and balanced and a perfect drop all year round! Both are ideal for summer and both are available now! Cheers!

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– Theresa
Co-founder of The Plus Ones, Theresa loves being a hand model as much as she does drinking good wine.

Disclosure: The Plus Ones were sent a sample of Blood Brother Republic Grenache from Cellarmasters and a sample of Young and Co. Berry Riot Grenache from Dialogue PR.