INTERNATIONAL GRENACHE DAY, a.k.a. G-DA

Qu'il me soit permis de mettre ici une copie (en anglais) d'un mail que je reçois de Nicole Sierra Rolet, la propriétaire du Domaine du Chêne Bleu (Vacqueyras), initiatrice d'une journée du Grenache, son cépage préféré.

On eût aimé, qu'à destination de contacts français, ce message soit écrit dans la langue de Molière, mais bon : l'internationalisation du vin fait que l'anglais, comme dans beaucoup d'autres domaines, va dominer de plus en plus.

Les 23 et 24 septembre seront des jours dédiés à l'intronisation de quelques Membres du GJE dans la célébrissime Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin, mais on trouvera bien un moment pour y mettre une bouteille en provenance directe de Rayas :-)

FRIDAY, 23rd SEPTEMBER 2011
Dear Friends of the Blue Oak and Grenadiers du Grenache everywhere,
I hope your summer turned out more restful and less eventful than our family's (more on that later!)
G-DAY AT LV AND BEYOND: Join us in celebrating the second International Grenache Day (G-Day) on Sept 23rd!  All you have to do is order some Grenache in a restaurant, or open a bottle or two at home - a great excuse to get together with friends and/or learn something new about wines made with this very versatile variety. G-Day turned out to be so much fun last year for those who took the time to cook up an event or an outing that I really encourage you to follow suit. Why? WHY NOT! If the 23rd doesn't work for you, anytime around then is fine - I'll be popping some grenachy corks in Istanbul but the next weekend, on October 1st, we'll host a proper G-harvest bash at La Verriere (Chef Jean-Claude Altmeyer from la Mirande will be cooking) let us know if you're in the neighbourhood, we'd be delighted to invite you! Celebrate with us by picking Grenache straight from the vine, pressing and tasting the fresh G-uice, then joining us for a Bar-G-Que.
G-MAIL AND G-FASHION:  Like last year, anyone feeling brave can help me spread the word by forwarding this to buddies in the restaurant and wine biz. It's all grass roots and word of mouth. The hard core amongst you can plan to make a sartorial statement on the day by wearing a loud shirt or dress -  "We love Grenache: say it proud, say it loud!" The whole point of this Global Party is to be connected, learn something new and have some fun.
GOOD GNEWS FOR CB: I encourage you to compare and contrast various Grenaches from around the world at whatever your budget. If you're looking to open some Chene Bleu kicking around in your cellar, Abelard is 80% Grenache, our Rose' is 60%, Heloise is 30%; even Aliot (our white) is 30% Grenache Blanc. This grape variety really excels with a bit of TLC and some tough-love.  We just heard that BOTH our oenologist-consultants, Philippe Cambie and Zelma Long, are shortlisted among only five for Winemaker of the Year in Wine Enthusiast Magazine, and they are known for their Grenache credentials, so this may be a good way to tickle your tastebuds.

GRENACHE GOES GLOBAL: For an up-to-date view of all of the G-Day events taking place around the globe, please click on the Google MyMap here  or the full link below my signature. Last year we had several hundred addresses on the map, and over 23,000 people clicked through!
YOUR G-SPOT: One of the funnest parts of participating is adding the placemark with your plans to the world map, then watching placemarks spread across the globe like chickenpox  : )  It's usually quick and easy to do (should take less than 5 minutes), but if you can't be bothered, just send me an email with the description of what you're planning and the exact street address and I'll happily do it for you.   You can vote for Grenache on Facebook (just "Like" it on the Facebook GrenacheSymposium page) or for lots more info look at the little home-cooked website we put together (aussi en français y en español) : www.grenacheday.wordpress.com: treasure hunts, tee-shirt contests, etc.  It has a list of top grenache wines selected by international judges, pairing suggestions and more. Ideas & feedback welcome!

YOUR G-SHOTS: If you take pictures on G-Day or have anecdotes, send 'em in, we'll make a scrapbook and post it online and to the press.
GRENACHE IS GROOVY
 
A refresher for those of you who are rusty in Grenachese:
 
The 3 V's of Grenache: versatile, velvety, voluptuous.  
GRENACHE GOES GLOBAL: For an up-to-date view of all of the G-Day events taking place around the globe, please click on the Google MyMap here  or the full link below my signature. Last year we had several hundred addresses on the map, and over 23,000 people clicked through!
YOUR G-SPOT: One of the funnest parts of participating is adding the placemark with your plans to the world map, then watching placemarks spread across the globe like chickenpox  : )  It's usually quick and easy to do (should take less than 5 minutes), but if you can't be bothered, just send me an email with the description of what you're planning and the exact street address and I'll happily do it for you.   You can vote for Grenache on Facebook (just "Like" it on the Facebook GrenacheSymposium page) or for lots more info look at the little home-cooked website we put together (aussi en français y en español) : www.grenacheday.wordpress.com: treasure hunts, tee-shirt contests, etc.  It has a list of top grenache wines selected by international judges, pairing suggestions and more. Ideas & feedback welcome!  
 
 
YOUR G-SHOTS: If you take pictures on G-Day or have anecdotes, send 'em in, we'll make a scrapbook and post it online and to the press.
GRENACHE IS GROOVY
 
A refresher for those of you who are rusty in Grenachese:
 
The 3 V's of Grenache: versatile, velvety, voluptuous.  
 
The most widely planted red grape in the world, yet an unsung hero because often blended.
A supremely versatile grape, blended into just about every style of wine, making top Red, White, Rosé, sweet, even sparkling, in most of the wine-producing countries, including France, Spain, Australia & California.
This grape brings a velvety, voluptuous mouthfeel to wine, a characteristic winemakers often call upon to soften blends and increase the proverbial & elusive "deliciousness" factor (like adding butter to food!).
 Some of the most famous appellations that use Grenache are Chateauneuf-du-Pape (FR), Priorat (SP) and McClaren Vale (AU), but the best wines are found in many places.  
The reds benefit by being served a bit cooler than most red wines, i.e. 14°C instead of room temperature (17°C).  
 Grenache is the ultimate Mediterranean grape, growing where olives grow and underscoring a sun-drenched lifestyle and cuisine.
 It's eco-friendly and well suited to global warming, as its deep root system makes it drought-resistant.
  It's the ultimate food wine as it pairs really well with many types of gastronomy - a full pairing sheet is here.
After our crazy summer (forced London move, broken ribs herding bison, pneumonia, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever,... I'll spare you details) I can't wait for the party!
 
Have some fun with us wherever you are!
 
Great grenachy greetings
 
Nicole (and the Chene Bleu team)
 
www.chenebleu.com
www.grenacheday.wordpress.com