International Grenache Day is celebrated annually on the third Friday of September.
One of the world’s most planted grape varieties, Grenache is widely grown in southern France, Spain (where it is known as Garnacha), the United States and Australia. It ripens late, requiring warm and dry conditions to fully ripen, but is versatile both in the vineyard and winery where it is used to make red wines primarily, but sparkling, white, rosé and fortified wines, too.
Scroll down to see DWWA 2025 awarded wines to try this International Grenache Day
Grenache produces round, fruity, powerful wines, often described as having spicy, herbal, raspberry and black cherry characters. The most concentrated, complex, ageworthy examples tend to come from old-vine Grenache, especially from regions such as Priorat, Chateauneuf-du-Pape and McLaren Vale, home to the oldest productive Grenache vineyards in the world.
This International Grenache Day, to celebrate this deliciously juicy grape variety, we highlight a selection of Grenache dominant and varietal wines worth a try from the Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA) 2025, with top results coming from Australia, Chile and Spain.
Tasted and rated by our expert judges on the basis of typicity, first and foremost, below discover a selection of awarded wines, with many more to discover on the DWWA results site.
International Grenache Day: award-winning wines to try
Australia
E. J. McDougall, Old Vine Grenache, McLaren Vale, South Australia 2023
Gold, 96 points
A chorus of sweet dark fruit, prunes and raisins synchronises against an impressive backdrop of pencil shavings and toasted earth, nurturing the tremendous structure and length. Alcohol 14.5%
Chapel Hill, 1941 Grenache, McLaren Vale, South Australia 2023
Gold, 95 points
A bashful youth, exuding subtle herbaceous raspberry, blackberry and plum fruit in a frame of firm, spicy tannins and lively, fresh acidity. Fruit-driven and long. Alc 14.5%
Chile
JP Martin, De Cal Garnacha, Huasco Valley, Atacama 2022
Gold, 95 points
Eccentric, complex and multidimensional, exuding agile red berry and smoked spice aromas with a bright, saline undertone. Velvety and fine-grained with a zingy, crisp acidity. Alc 12.5%
France
Domaine des Anges, Séraphin, Ventoux, Rhône 2023
Gold, 95 points
Fragrant strawberry and raspberry fruit, garrigue herbs and spice over a gently warming palate decorated with firm tannins and a lifted acidity. Engaging and rounded. Alc 15.5%
South Africa
Boland Cellar, One Formation, Piekenierskloof, Citrusdal Mountain 2023
Silver, 92 points
Fresh strawberries and cranberries with herbal lift; bright, structured palate showing deep stony cranberry and spice with fresh acidity. Alc 13%
Spain
Mas Doix, Poboleda Vi de Vila, Priorat 2023
Gold, 96 points
Youthful nuances of vivid cherries, strawberries and rose petals with a backbone of pencil lead minerals to structure and define. A wine that elevates the soul. Alc 15%
Alto Moncayo, Veraton Garnacha, Campo de Borja 2022
Gold, 95 points
Plentiful notes of cherry blossom, red plum, cinnamon and cocoa submerge the palate which boasts vivid acidity, pliant tannins and a shiny backbone of oaky charm. Alc 16%
Cellers Unió, Perlat Garnatxa, Montsant 2023
Gold, 95 points
Awash with juicy, mouth-watering flavour: fresh strawberry compote vibes, interlaced with dark berries, cherries and plums, underpinned by savoury, earthy tones. Long, well-defined and pure. Alc 14.%
Las Pizarras, Viña Castejon Garnacha, Calatayud 2023
Gold, 95 points
Classic plum and raspberry fruit with smatterings of wild herbs and violet florals. Vanilla toast marks the palate underscored by a brisk acidity and long savoury finish. Alc 14.5%
Verum, Ilusio Verum CDVIN, Rioja 2022
Gold, 95 points
Bedecked with redcurrants, red cherries and raspberries with a sizzling lick of black pepper. Softly structured with supple, plummy acidity and a boundless, spicy length. Alc 14.5%
Vins del Tros, Señora Carmen Garnatxa Negra,Terra Alta 2022
Silver, 94 points
Toasty nuances with aromas of dark fruits, bramble and Christmas batter. Fresh and juicy on the palate, zesty and energetic. Alc 14.5%
United States
Efeste, Estate, Red Mountain, Washington State 2022
Silver, 92 points
Perfumed, with aromas of sweet red fruit and lifted herbal notes; palate of cherry, strawberry yoghurt and a bright acidity. Alc 14.5%
Search all DWWA 2025 results
