Grenache in French, or also known as Garnacha in Spanish, today is the day where we celebrate one of the wine world's most versatile and beloved grape varieties. A red grape known for its exceptional adaptability, resulting in a wide range of wine styles, from elegant rosés to robust reds, it is one of the most widely planted red wine grape varieties in the world. It ripens late, so it needs hot, dry conditions such as those found in Spain, where the grape is believed to have originated. The grape has its actual origin in the region of Aragon in northern Spain. This may be surprising to people as some of the best-known Grenache wines come from the Rhône region of France (hello Chateauneuf du Pape!)
Thanks to its intense flavours - think strawberries, raspberries and cherries and a sweet spicy component to it, it pairs perfectly with well-seasoned meat, such as a good beef stew or grilled quail. On the other hand, seafood or vegetables are best served with Grenache rosé. Grenache has low to medium acidity and low to medium tannins but feels medium-bodied yet refreshing and has a decent amount of heat (alcohol) to it as well.
So grab a bottle(s) this week!
SAVE 15% on ALL our Grenache wines and blends until Monday 22nd September 2025
1 product
2024 Cicada Blanc by Chante Cigale
Regular price £11.99 Save Liquid error (snippets/product-template line 117): Computation results in '-Infinity'%Cicada takes its name from the famed ‘singing cicadas’ of Provence and the wine too sings of the warm vineyards of the south.
Tasting Notes
Nose
Easy-drinking, unoaked and a classic french-style table wine. Citrus and pear aromas on the nose.
Palate
Citrus flesh and nice weight on the palate, quite a ripe, round finish.
Producer
Domaine Chante Cigale is located within the village of Châteauneuf-du-Pape and has been owned by the Sabon Favier family for several generations. Consisting of 41 hectares, the domaine benefits from old vines, some of which are veritably ancient at over 100 years old. Alexandre Favier took over from his father, Christian, and is part of a new wave of producers in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, combining modern technical expertise with time-honoured winemaking practices.
Alexandre is lauded by notable journalists including Steve Danzier and Jancis Robinson for his deftly-made and reasonably-priced wines. Domaine Chante Cigale has also built a reputation for specialising in white wines, of which they produce more than any other estate in the appellation.
Production
An unusual blend of Viognier (30%), Picpoul Blanc (30%) and Grenache Blanc (40%). Sourced from clay limestone soils in Richerenes in the Vaucluse for the Grenache Blanc and Picpoul, with the Viognier sourced in the Northern Rhône (so the wine is classified as Vin de France). Vinified in stainless steel, with a short maceration of one week. Alex Favier then puts the final blend together.
Sustainability
As you might expect from someone born and raised on an estate named after singing cicadas, Alexandre Favier keenly promotes the biodiversity of his vineyards. He is very conscious of his role as guardian of his land for future generations and Chante Cigale is currently in conversion to full organic status.
Alan's Tasting Notes
'This is a beautiful find. Loaded with aromas and flavours. Fresh, unoaked but unctous fresh fruit with a persistent and compelling palate. A great value alternative to more expensive Chateauneuf Blanc or Condrieu.'
Specifications
| Year | 2024 |
| Bottle Size | 750ml |
| Cultivar | 30% Viognier, 30% Piquepoul Blanc, 40% Grenache Blanc |
| Country | Rhone France |
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| Units of Alcohol per Bottle | 9.75 units |
| Type | White Wine |
| Allergen Information | Contains Sulphites |
| Food Matches |
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| Origin | Vin de France |
| Appellation | Vin de France |
