Garnacha Tinta
A red wine variety of Spanish origin, which was the most widely grown grape in the Iberian Peninsula during the last century. The Garnacha variety is widespread in Spain, where it has a number of synonymies, such as "Garnacho tinto", "tinto aragonés", "alicante", "navarra", "garnatxa"... and in other countries it is known as “grenache”,"roussillon rouge", "granaccia", "uva di Spagne", “cannonau”...
It appears that the Garnacha originated in Alicante, then spreading to the rest of Spain and going into France and Italy; it was brought into Navarre from Aragon. Over the last few decades it has also been exported to other continents such as Australia, where it is now very popular.
In the past this variety was widely grown in Navarre, accounting for almost 90% of the vineyards in the seventies; however, it has gradually lost ground to newer varieties. At present it is still important, accounting for 25% of Navarre vineyards with some 4,700 hectares and occupying second place in terms of the planted surface area. Although it is grown in all zones, it is predominant in the Baja Montaña and the Ribera Baja.
This variety produces wines with a good alcohol content, good acidity, medium bodied and aromatic. In Navarre is it used for making rosé wines, where the bleeding or "saignée" technique, in combination with the freshness and aromas of the grapes, have given some unsurpassable results. However, some high quality young and aged red wines are also made. For years the Garnacha had an unfair reputation of being prone to oxidation, producing short-lasting wines. Fortunately its potential for making wines for ageing is now known and the quality of its wines is recognised.
Agricultural data
Vegetative cycle
- Semi-early bud break.
- Flowering first ten days of June.
- Veraison mid-August Ripening early October (3rd period).
- Semi-long cycle.
Pests and diseases
- Slightly susceptible to oidium.
- Susceptible to mildew and excoriose.
- Highly susceptible to botrytis during the flowering and ripening stages.
Habitat
- Very rustic, adaptable to different climates and soils.
- Best in warm climates and stony soils.
- Thermal region III - IV.
- Fairly drought tolerant and wind resistant.
Cluster
- Medium size, about 200 gr. / cluster.
- Short peduncle, compact, winged cluster.
- Medium, round, black berry with slender stalk.
Yield
- Highly susceptible to shatter or coulure during fruit set, causing irregular harvests.
Source: EVENA
