It took only sixty years for Grenache to earn some respect in Washington State. For six decades, its reputation in the Columbia Valley was amenable but dull, a backup at best to Syrah’s baritone in GSM cover bands. In the field it was prone to vigour and heavy yields, and unable to face down Washington’s winter cold snaps. And for what? Early versions seemed juicy, monochromatic, unsophisticated, unable to accede to the power and complexity of a wine from the...
Grenache – now a headliner in Washington
Friday 10 October 2025
• 4 min read
Cab may be king but Grenache is where the excitement is in Washington State. Above, terraced bush-vine Grenache in WeatherEye vineyard.
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