Grenache Noir
Grenache is the most planted red grape variety in Europe, and the second most in France (after Merlot). It is widely planted throughout the South of France and much of Spain. The main reason for this is that it thrives in hot arid places.
If yields are kept low Grenache Noir produces lovely intense fruity wines with spicy notes. Often blended with Syrah and Mourvèdre it is responsible for many of Southern France's most famous wines - Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas........ It thrives all along the French Mediterranean cost of the Pyrenees in Roussillon all the way to Provence.