ALKO: Tribute Grenache 2010 by Dean Hewitson (Australia, McLaren Vale)

The Grenache is a grape variety that originates from Southern Rhône valley. It is a key grape in the blend of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas, Vaqueyras, Rasteau and in general Côte du Rhône. Its characteristics are fruitiness, sweetness and alcohol. It is perfectly suited for warm region, though its tendency to produce high levels of sugar (and therefore alcohol) may be a problem in some cases (mainly when not blended with an other grape. A few icon wines are made solely of this grape. It is the case of the Château Rayas.

The wine we are dealing with today is not that kind of top of the range product. It is a basic, easy drinking wine. Made from 100% Grenache, it is produced in the McLaren Vale, one of the coolest regions in Australia (much cooler than the Barossa). Contrary to earlier versions like the 2008 which was extremely light (almost felt like diluted), this is a much more concentrated wine.

Tribute Grenache 2010 by Dean Hewitson is indeed interesting. This 2010 gives a full ripe fruit, reasonably intense though a little bit heavy in the nose. The mouth is powerful and rich. Some sweetness appears in the mid-palate. A nice Grenache and a very good value for money wine.

WINEOPS rating : 72/100 ; 0 0

Ready to drink right now, it is a very versatile wine, a bit heavy but not full bodied. It will be a good match to grilled food in the summer.

Link to Alko’s page: HERE

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