Grenache | Giggly Grapes

McLaren Vale: Shiraz, Old-Vine Grenache and the Sea

09/09/2026

Glass of Shiraz with grapes, McLaren Vale vineyards and the coast behind

McLaren Vale is the wine region on Adelaide’s doorstep: about 33 kilometres south of the city, thirty-five minutes by car, ...

Chicken Shawarma Wine Pairing: Garlic, Pickles and Spice

03/10/2024

Chicken shawarma on flatbread with pickles beside a glass of rose wine

The chicken is the easy part. Garlic sauce, pickled turnip and the spice rub decide the bottle. Dry rose first, chilled Grenache second, plus one stocked pick.

Best Red Wine for Mushroom Bourguignon: What to Pour (and What to Avoid)

26/08/2024

Bowl of mushroom bourguignon with a glass of Pinot Noir

The best red wine for mushroom bourguignon is Pinot Noir, with Gamay and Grenache close behind. Why the meat-free version needs softer wine than the beef one, and what to avoid.

Stroganoff and Wine: What to Pour (and What to Avoid)

25/07/2024

Pan of creamy stroganoff beside a glass of light red wine on a timber table

Sour cream and mushrooms run this dish, not the beef, and both punish tannin. Why Pinot Noir wins, what to avoid, and one bottle for both versions.

Best Wine With Nachos: What to Pour (and What to Avoid)

10/05/2024

Platter of loaded nachos with a glass of chilled red wine

The best wine with nachos is a chilled, low-tannin red like Grenache or a cold off-dry Riesling. Why salt, fat and jalapeño heat rule out the big reds, and what to pour instead.

Moussaka and Wine: What to Pour (and What to Avoid)

08/05/2024

Greek moussaka in a baking dish beside a glass of red wine on a timber table

Moussaka needs acidity, not muscle. Xinomavro is the best answer, with Sangiovese and Grenache behind it, and the béchamel is the reason your usual big red falls over.

Wine to Pair With Goat Meat: Why Lean Meat Needs a Softer Red

07/04/2024

A slow roasted goat shoulder in a braising dish beside a glass of red wine

Goat is one of the leanest meats there is, so it cannot soften a big tannic red. Grenache, Tempranillo and off dry Riesling work better. Here is how to pair by the pot.

Wine Pairing With Roasted Vegetables: What to Pour (and What to Avoid)

06/04/2024

Glass of red wine beside a tray of roasted pumpkin, carrots, onion and sprouts

Roasting makes vegetables sweet and smoky, which changes what wine works. Grenache, Gamay, Tempranillo and Riesling lead; big reds and thin whites do not.

Wine Pairing With Lamb Burgers: What to Pour (and What to Avoid)

05/04/2024

Grilled lamb burger on a wooden board next to a glass of red wine

Lamb burgers need juicy fruit and soft tannin, not a big grippy red. Here is what to pour, what to avoid, and one stock-checked Barossa GSM to try tonight.