GSM
August, 2013 Filed in: Wine varieties
GSM, what’s that you ask! GSM is the acronym for a very common blend of 3 grape varieties, Grenache, Syrah (Shiraz) and Mourvedre. Mouthful huh, that’s why it is shortened to GSM.
Another reason it is shortened is because of the rules surrounding trade regulations and the use of French names. You see, you have likely had a GSM and not known it. The wines of the Rhone Valley of France, so Cotes-du-Rhone are comprised of these three grapes. But you can’t designate a wine as Cotes-du-Rhone unless it is made of grapes from this region and also made there. So, the rest of the world indicates wines of this particular blend of these 3 grapes as Grenache/Syrah/Mourvedre or GSM.
French wines that contain these 3 grapes tend towards the savoury or earthy side, with flavours of blackcurrant, leather and game. Whereas GSM’s from Australia, are noted for their rich berry and chocolate flavours.
While France has always recognized the benefit of blends of different varieties, blends are starting to become vogue in North America. Why not, you get synergy working for you with the fruitiness of Grenache and Syrah, and combine that with the structure and tannic nature of Mourvedre. A perfect match.
For French GSM’s or Cotes-du-Rhones pair with steak or wood-fired lamb. Aussie GSM’s make a perfect match with most lamb dishes, particularly when the lamb is cooked with rosemary.
Another reason it is shortened is because of the rules surrounding trade regulations and the use of French names. You see, you have likely had a GSM and not known it. The wines of the Rhone Valley of France, so Cotes-du-Rhone are comprised of these three grapes. But you can’t designate a wine as Cotes-du-Rhone unless it is made of grapes from this region and also made there. So, the rest of the world indicates wines of this particular blend of these 3 grapes as Grenache/Syrah/Mourvedre or GSM.
French wines that contain these 3 grapes tend towards the savoury or earthy side, with flavours of blackcurrant, leather and game. Whereas GSM’s from Australia, are noted for their rich berry and chocolate flavours.
While France has always recognized the benefit of blends of different varieties, blends are starting to become vogue in North America. Why not, you get synergy working for you with the fruitiness of Grenache and Syrah, and combine that with the structure and tannic nature of Mourvedre. A perfect match.
For French GSM’s or Cotes-du-Rhones pair with steak or wood-fired lamb. Aussie GSM’s make a perfect match with most lamb dishes, particularly when the lamb is cooked with rosemary.