2019 Rusty Mutt GSM

When most people think of McLaren Vale they think of Shiraz. However, many winemakers like myself think about Grenache. This is a very versatile variety. You can make anything from the lightest, most delicate Rosé to a full bodied red, or tawny port! Grenache typically does not have as much natural tannin as Shiraz or Cabernet from the same area but it makes up for it with flavour. Grenache has a very broad range of fruit aromas and flavours it can display, such as strawberry, raspberry, black and white pepper, violets and savoury meats just to scratch the surface. When blended with Shiraz and Mataro, the fullness, length and texture can be brought to new levels. If I had to choose one wine style from McLaren Vale to drink from now on, this would be it.