Section 23 of 34

Other black grapes

Chapter 5 covered the three Bordeaux-style grapes. Chapter 6 covers six more black grapes worth knowing at Level 2: Gamay, Grenache (Garnacha in Spain), Tempranillo, and the regional specialities Carmenère (Chile), Malbec (Argentina), and Pinotage (South Africa). Each one has a strong geographical identity.

By the end of this chapter you will be able to:

Describe Gamay's style and the Beaujolais appellation hierarchy (Beaujolais AOC, Beaujolais Villages AOC, Beaujolais Crus).
Describe Grenache/Garnacha and recognise its home regions: Southern Rhône (Côtes du Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape) and Spain (Rioja, Navarra, Priorat).
Explain the Rhône Valley appellation hierarchy and where the Rhône crus sit.
Describe Tempranillo and read the Joven/Crianza/Reserva/Gran Reserva ageing hierarchy.
Distinguish Carmenère (Chile), Malbec (Argentina), and Pinotage (South Africa) by style and region.

Start with Gamay, the grape that made an entire region's reputation.