What is GSM?
GSM stands for Grenche, Shiraz & Mataro. This wine is a blend of these three grape varieties, which is a simplified version of a French ‘Cotes du Rhone’ blend. Grenache is fast becoming one of the most important and sought after varieties in McLaren Vale. Its popularity in the last few years has soared. (So have the grape prices…!)
My Grenache comes from a family owned, dry grown bush vine vineyard in the cool McLaren Vale subregion of Clarendon. It’s certainly the star of this blend, and I choose the Shiraz and Mataro to suit the Grenache.
Is it any good?!
The wine recently won a Gold Medal in the 2022 London Wine Competition. Here’s the review.
“Complex & herbaceous character with nice acidity and aromas of ethanol, red fruits, spices & red flowers. Vibrant palate with herbal and mild fruity notes and a smooth finish.” GOLD MEDAL London Wine Competition April 2022
About Tempranillo.
Tempranillo is a red grape variety that originates in Spain. It is extremely well suited to McLaren Vale and can handle the unpredictable heat of summer very well. I have chosen to make this Tempranillo in a ‘Joven’ style (Spanish for young). This means it is a bright, flavoursome fruit driven red.
What does it taste like?
This wine was reviewed by Winestate Magazine and was awarded 5 Stars and 98 Points. It was also the top wine in the tasting category. Here’s the review;
“Quite a meaty nose with marmalade-like notes – very Rioja-like! Soft and fresh in the mouth with a vibrancy of fruit flavours and good tannin/acid balance.”
Here is Angus Hughson’s 92 Point review;
“This Joven Tempranillo has me thinking of chargrilled beef burgers and I’m not talking about HJs or Burger King. There is an unmissable meatiness and char factor ready to unleash itself on you. Winemaker Scott Heidrich suggests taco night is the go. Either way, you win.
Strawberry and raspberry fruit knit themselves between an earthiness, fine spices and those charry feels. A terrific food wine, there is an ease to its presence in the mouth as it flows through leaving some fine spices to peruse. Large pours come easy with wines like this. It will even take a slight chill. Now, where is that burger?
Drink to three years.”
About my Shiraz.
Without Shiraz, McLaren Vale would probably just be a nice holiday destination by the beach! The combination of climate, geology, topography and experience has hit a sweet spot in McLaren Vale. You have to try hard to make a bad Shiraz here! This is a classic medium to full bodied style, hand plunged and basket pressed. It was matured in oak for about 20 months in second use French and American.
What’s it like?
Angus Hughson of winepilot.com quite likes this wine. He gave it 94 Points!
“For fans of big, bruising reds from McLaren Vale, look no further than this densely packed Shiraz that is guaranteed to put a big smile on your face. Deeply coloured, it immediately explodes with lashings of dark fruits; licorice and blackberry essence with a couple of shakes of Szechuan pepper all well matched with high quality oak. Ripe and chunky on the palate, the fruit is plush with an attractive rustic, earthy edge before delivering a long and powerful finish. Super value for big red fans.”
Reviews
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