GSM Stands for a Good Wine Experience

Lately I’ve been enjoying a number of GSM wines, sometimes also called SGM. These wines are a blend of the Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre varietals. They are the dominant grapes of the southern Rhone valley of France and the grapes that most often make up Chateauneuf du Pape, the most famous appellation in the area.  Grown in Australia and America this mixture produces a consistently good wine at a better price than well known Rhones.

We haven’t had a bad experience yet. The wines have nice fruit, are approachable but not simplistic and are very food friendly. Any of them would be a good choice for a table having a variety of dishes. Here are four I can vouch for, all around $20 retail or less.

Kunin Pape Star, 2006 — We first had this at Overwood in Alexandria and it has become a favorite. From the Santa Barbara region of California, it’s a medium-bodied wine with nice fruit, a little pepper and low tannins. Primarily Grenache with around 25% Mourvedre and a little Syrah.

Hewitson “Miss Harry” 2006 – We ordered this wine when out to dinner with uber-fun couple Jeff and Stephanie. Relatively light body, very nice fruit and a clean finish. It’s from the Barossa region of Australia. This one is about half Syrah, half Grenache with just a little Mourvedre thrown in. Extremely versatile wine — order it for someone who thinks you can’t have red with fish.

Kaesler Stonehouse GSM 2006 — Deep, very flavorful with slightly more body than some others. This is another wine from the Barossa region of South Australia. Like the Hewitson it’s mostly Grenache and Syrah, with 11% Mourvedre.

Courtney Benham Vin d’Eliza 2006 — Courtney Benham is a second label to Martin Ray Vineyards, and rarely lets us down. This wine has a big nose, and is big in general for a GSM. It’s still smooth and very drinkable with a nice finish. This one leads with 40% Syrah, around the same Grenache and the balance Mourvedre.

Check out a GSM the next time you reach for a red this summer — you won’t be sorry.