GSM
Grenache, syrah, mourvèdre or GSM is a blend created in the Rhone Valley of France. Its recipe is so popular that producers in the new world have embraced and added it to their line-up. Some producers shrug off the cookie cutter cast of chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon, and merlot for Mediterranean red varieties like grenache, syrah, cinsault, carignan, mourvèdre and whites grapes viognier, marsanne, and roussanne. In California these producers are called Rhone Rangers and the red trilogy of GSM is one of their favorite formulas.
      Whether you mix it up as SMG, MGS, SGM, MSG, or GMS it is a trio that experiences a synergy of flavor. Grenache, also known as garnacha, brings a bright canvas of black raspberry, black licorice, black pepper, lower tannins, mouthwatering acidity, and big body to the blend. Mourvèdre, also known as monastrell and matauro, is deeply hued in purple. It offers sultry tannins, more berry tones and big body, with hints of fresh cut herbs and balsamic reduction. Syrah also tastes of berries and has prominent tannins and tones of cocoa, roses, black pepper, and smoked meats.
      The combination gives growers an ability to harvest at different times. This is a protection against late spring frost that can destroy tender buds and autumnal rain storms that can bloat the ripening grapes and dilute their flavors. Each grape offers its own timeline against mother nature's stormy temperament that can diminish or destroy a grape crop.
      Blending gives winemakers a license to create the best possible flavor with the juice they have available to them. Grenache, syrah, mourvèdre is a blue ribbon recipe. Look for it in new world wines and the Southern Rhone Valley. It tastes great aged in oak, or stainless steel containers. It can be simple and inexpensive, or a touch more serious, with aging potential. It is one wine not to be missed for the curious wine drinker.