Grenache Blanc On the Rise?

It only took a couple of minutes in Paso Robles this weekend to be struck by how many wineries are beginning to make a varietally specific grenache blanc. Known for its contributions to white Chateauneuf du Pape and lessor Cotes du Rhone white blends, this grape is rather widely planted in France. While the grape can struggle to maintain appropriate acidity, if yields are kept low and care is taken with deciding when to pick, grenach blanc can create wines with beautiful fruit, a cool and substantial mouthfeel, and a crisp refreshing finish. Only recognized as a varietal in the States since 2003, this grape has been winning competitions and selling out of the wineries who are producing it ever since. There were several grenache blanc based wines that caught my attention this last weekend and I wonder if this is a varietally that will grow into being a more widely planted and consumed grape in the coming years. I will argue that it certainly has the merit, and the potential. For the time being check out these delicious wines:

Tercero 2009 Grenache Blanc - Larry Schaffer is doing great things with grapes from Santa Barbara and the surrounds. This grenache blanc is crisp and refreshing with some great melon fruit tones. Really delicious.

Halter Ranch 2009 Grenache Blanc - Made exclusively for distribution in restaurants you can possibly still get a bottle if you show up in the tasting room. However we MUST pressure these guys to make more. This was the type of wine that will disappear from the bottle on a warm day with friends as it was deftly balanced between interesting and complex, and pure sipping pleasure.

Epiphany 2009 Grenache Blanc - This wine holds a bit of residual sugar, that I found a bit on the sweet side. However there is acidity to balance and I can see this beinga huge hit at summer get togethers. It has minerality and a great floral perfume, but also mass appeal. Check it out.

Chateau de Nages 2009 Costieres de Nimes, Notre Pais Blanc - This wine has just a touch of roussanne and viognier mixed in and is spectacular. The nose is full of citrus and minerality and the wine itself is intensely bright. It has a very Old World sensibility, but a richness to some of the fruit flavors that is just delicious. Overall I was overwhelmed by the focus of this wine, it came across as very clean and pure.

Have you drunk any grenache blanc lately? What was it, and are you seeking out this grape?