The first ever international symposium to be dedicated to the Grenache grape will be held on June 5 in Crestet, near Avignon in the Rhône Valley. It is intended as a mini-summit bringing together wine trade professionals from around the world to study and appreciate the characteristics and merits of the increasingly more popular Grenache-based wines, which are often underestimated and undervalued.
Grenache, known for its versatility and blending values, is one of the most widely planted grape in the world. However its notoriety is sometimes eclipsed by better known varietals such as Pinot and Syrah. The objective of the Symposium is to allow experts and producers from around the world to share views and create a firm foundation of knowledge and understanding of Grenache as a distinctive varietal.
The Symposium will be led by Steven Spurrier, world renowned for his ‘Judgement of Paris’ tasting and consultant editor of Decanter magazine, and Michel Bettane – the premier French wine writer and author of Le Grand Guide des Vins de France. The wine trade will be represented by top wine writers and journalists together with leading experts and producers of Grenache wine from Australia, Spain, USA, South Africa and the Rhône valley. It will also create an ongoing hub for gathering and exchanging information on all aspects of Grenache.
Topics under discussion will range from wine growing and wine making to the challenges of existing and emerging markets. To date, considerable interest has been generated from participants, press and sponsors because of this timely topic and the fact that this event is the first of its kind aiming to break new ground.
Recent Grenache recognition by the media includes –
A Toast to Grenache. Tim Atkin. The Observer, UK.
Grenache Enters the Spotlight. Dorothy J.Gaiter/JohnBrecher. The Wall Street Journal, USA
Grenache Steps Out of Others’ Shadows. Eric Asimov. The New York Times, USA
Both Robert Parker and Jancis Robinson have recently spoken of the importance of the Grenache grape.
For further information, please visit the website www.grenachesymposium.com or contact:
Walter McKinlay – walter@grenachesymposium.com