By Christine Salins.
Bethany First Village GSM
When in doubt, reach for a GSM. Such a likeable blend, it represents some of the best value for money drinking amongst Aussie reds.
Made from Grenache, Shiraz and Mourvèdre (also known as Mataro), this classic blend is inspired by the medium-bodied reds of France’s Côtes du Rhône region.
Each variety brings a different element to the blend, the Grenache delivering lovely sweet fruit, the Shiraz a little bit of pepper and spice, and the Mourvèdre depth and earthiness.
These varieties do well in the Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale, and both regions have some great old plantings which provide wonderful depth of flavour. Not surprisingly, some of Australia’s finest GSM blends hail from these regions.
Although you’ll occasionally see blends that are Shiraz-dominant, the blend most commonly seen here is Grenache-dominant. The latter tend to be a little lighter and more aromatic than those with more Shiraz, and they’re generally more vibrant and approachable.
Richard Hamilton Colton’s GSM
Charles Melton 2018 La Belle Mère GSM, $33: This Barossa winery is renowned for its classic GSM blend, Nine Popes, but if your budget doesn’t stretch to Nine Popes’ near $100 price tag, La Belle Mère is guaranteed to make you smile. It’s quite bold with an alcohol content of 14.5%, rich plum, cherry and blackberry notes and hints of licorice and vanilla.
Year Wines 2021 ´Sausage in Bread´ GSM, $25: As the name suggests, this is one to trot out at a BBQ or sausage sizzle. From a dynamic McLaren Vale producer, it is fun, light and bright with an alcohol content of 12.4% and oodles of flavour. A little Cinsault is added to the blend. Picking up some sour cherry notes, we enjoyed it Japanese food.
Richard Hamilton 2020 Colton’s McLaren Vale GSM, $26: Medium- to full-bodied, this has so much texture and richness it can easily stand up to duck confit, game and stronger flavoured dishes. Silky smooth with hints of eucalypt, cinnamon and clove, much like Christmas cake.
d’Arenberg 2018 The Bonsai Vine GSM, $32: McLaren Vale winery d’Arenberg has a gorgeous top-of-the-range GSM, The Ironstone Pressings, and a $15 entry-level GMS blend, The Stump Jump, but it’s worth seeking out its mid-range The Bonsai Vine. Smooth and elegant with enticing raspberry and blackberry notes, it is really quite divine.
Bethany 2021 First Village GSM, $29: With an incredible Barossa heritage, Bethany makes exquisitely beautiful reds and this one from a particularly good vintage in the region is no exception. With intense aromas of blueberry and spice, it has gentle tannins and a fresh vibrancy that makes it a great choice with charcuterie and roasts.
