4 smart South Australian GSM permutations

Is there a more charismatic South Australian blend than the GSM? Surely not. In Australia’s ‘single varietal or bust’ market, however, this blend remains something of an afterthought to the national palate – the Riesling, if you like, of the ‘big red’ drinkers diet (ie always the bridesmaid, never the bride).

What makes GSM, MGS, GS, MSG et al so charismatic is that, unlike Shiraz, Cabernet or Pinot Noir, it is largely left to its own devices in the winery. Obviously the grapes are still crushed, the juice still fermented, the wine still spends time in oak and still goes through malo etc etc. Yet, importantly, the fruit tends to dictate terms. The oak is typically older and the wine spends less time in it. The pressing is light. The emphasis is, happily, upon the simple joy of fermented grape juice, with as little adornments as possible. And the wine tastes better because of it…

Better still, these blends are working to the local strengths too. The Barossa/McLaren Vale/Clare Valley has considerable resources of old vine Mataro/Mourvedre and Grenache available and, indeed, both of these grapes are probably better suited to the hot and dry South Australian summer than varieties like Merlot or Sangiovese.

All the more reason then to utilise old G and M in the best way possible – to craft lovely generous mid weight reds…

Speaking of generous – tonight I had a look at four wines that I think are representative of the modern GMS (and like minded blends) style. Four wines – two from McLaren Vale and two from the Barossa – that cover a nice spread of price points and blend permutations and all, in my opinion, are worthy wines (and I enjoyed all of them).