Kilikanoon, Sons of Eden, Torbreck & Tim Smith – Grenache, Shiraz, Mataro

Have you ever searched through the red wine section of your favourite bottle shop and seen the letters ‘GSM’? Ever wondered what they meant? GSM is short for ‘Grenache, Shiraz, Mataro’ blends. Learn about these exciting, full-bodied, fruit-forward Grenache, Shiraz, Mataro wines below. Plus! Meet Australia’s world-class vintners producing GSM.

• Kilikanoon Killerman’s Run GSM.
• Sons of Eden Kennedy GSM.
• Torbreck The Steading GSM.
• Tim Smith Barossa MGS.

Click on the links above to be taken to Summer Hill Wine Shop’s online store or scroll down to discover the story and tasting notes for each wine:

What Does ‘GSM’ Mean?

GSM is an acronym used for Grenache, Shiraz, and Mataro red blends(*1). Shiraz can also be referred to as Syrah and Mataro as Mourvèdre (Monastrell)(*2). You may see other letter combinations such as ‘SGM’ and ‘MGS’. The first letter indicates the grape with the highest concentration in the blend. The grape used most in these blends is Grenache, followed by Shiraz and finished with Mataro(*1).

Where Did GSM Wine Blends Originate?

GSM originated in the Rhône valley in France at the base of the Rhône Alpes (French Alps) which border Switzerland and Italy(*1-3). The Southern Rhône region – notably Côtes du Rhône produces, on average, 380 million bottles of wine annually(*4).

Australian GSM – And What to Expect in Your Glass

GSM grapes have been cultivated in Australia for up to 150 years! The most common locations to find GSM are in the Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale(*1).

Typically, GSMs are:

• Medium to full-bodied.
• Full of sweet fruit flavours such as red berries, rich dark fruits, and spice.
• Soft and smooth on the finish.

Why Make a Red Blend Rather Than Single Varietals?

By using a blend of wine grapes, producers have extensive control over the final flavour(*2).

Are You Ready to Dive Into a Bottle of GSM?

Explore Our Top Four Recommendations for Australian-Made GSM

Below are our picks of GSM blends made by world-class brands right here in Australia. Pick up a bottle of the one that stands out to you the most and start (or continue) your GSM journey.

We are always excited to hear from our customers, so please feel free to send us a message or give us a call!

2019 Kilikanoon, ‘Killerman’s Run’ – Grenache, Shiraz and Mataro (GSM)
The Epitome of Elegance and Poise in Wine Making

Microclimates and diverse soil types provide Kevin Mitchell and his father, Mort with ample opportunity to play with wine blends(*5). This Clare Valley vineyard in South Australia is blessed with hillsides, stunning mountain ranges and a cool climate(*6).

Aroma: Dark fruits, a touch of tar, dusty oak (from maturing in French oak hogsheads), spices, and savoury meats(*7).
Palate: The front and centre of the palate find the grenache and shiraz in perfect symmetry followed by Mataro(*7).

 This red is a great place to start if you are new to GSM. It is priced from $16.99(*1,7).

2018 Sons of Eden, ‘Kennedy’ – Grenache, Shiraz and Mourvèdre (GSM)
A Classic Five-Star Blend Bursting with Flavour

Simon Cowham (viticulturist) and Corey Ryan (winemaker) are Sons of Eden. They meticulously craft their wines in small batches, with minimal intervention(*8). The ‘Kennedy’ is a deeper, richer, juicier kind of style(*1).

Aroma: Luscious cherries and blackcurrants topped with five-spice.
Palate: Enthralling red fruits, savoury nuances. Fleshy in the mid-palate with a superb fresh finish.

Drink today or cellar – or why not do both as this is priced very well from $22 per bottle.

2019 Tim Smith Wines, ‘Barossa’ – Mataro, Grenache and Shiraz (MGS)
A Complex Old-Vine Vintage with a Twist

As Mataro makes up the bulk of this blend, it is more complex and exhibits more savoury flavours and spice than its counterparts(*1). Mataro also gives the wine an impressive ageing capacity. You can either open it today or cellar for enjoyment in the years to come(*10).

Aroma: Oak and aniseed.
Palate: Mataro gives good weight and complexity which sits gently on spices and juicy dark fruits(*1,11,12).

When you are ready to try a GSM with intriguing layers, this is the one! Priced from $23(*12).

2018 Torbreck, ‘The Steading’ – Grenache, Mataro and Shiraz (GMS)
Captivate Your Senses with this Exemplary Blend!

For a more premium GSM, look no further than Torbreck’s old-vine, ‘The Steading’. This GMS is really juicy, vibrant, fresh, easy-drinking and a delight on the palate(*1,13,14).

Aroma: Gentle violet and spicy star anise unveil an orchard of fruits.
Palate: Pure fruit aromas continue onto the palate. Through the middle, tannins emerge to make this wine an absolute stand-out.

 You would expect to pay a mighty sum for a wine of this quality, but it is priced incredibly well, with half-bottles starting at $22.

All of Summer Hill Wine Shop’s staff have their favourites. For Alex, Torbreck’s ‘The Steading’ is one of his top GSM picks. If ‘slurpable’ was a word, it would certainly be synonymous with this GMS.

Head into the Summer Hill Wine Shop on your way home from work and chat to our friendly team about finding the ideal GSM for you.

References

*1. Summer Hill Wine Shop. Our Choice of Grenache Shiraz Mataro GSM Wine Blends in Australia. YouTube video. 2021.
*2. Wine Folly. Time to Try ‘GSM’ The Côtes du Rhône Blend. 2019.
*3. Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia. Rhône-Alpes. Encyclopedia Britannica. 2017.
*4. Leve, J. Rhone Valley The Complete Guide. The Wine Cellar Insider. 2021.
*5. Kilikanoon Wines. Our Story. 2020.
*6. Clare Valley Wine. About Our Region. Wine and Grape Association. Nd.
*7. Summer Hill Wine Shop. 2019 Kilikanoon Killerman’s Run Grenache Shiraz Mataro Clare Valley. 2021.
*8. Sons of Eden. About Sons of Eden. 2021.
*9. Summer Hill Wine Shop. 2018 Sons of Eden Kennedy Grenache Shiraz Mourvèdre Barossa Valley. 2021.
*10. Tim Smith Wines. Barossa Mataro Grenache Shiraz. Nd.
*11. Knox, S. Intense and Lengthy. Cellar Talk Wines, The Real Review. 2020.
*12. Summer Hill Wine Shop. 2019 Tim Smith Wines MGS Barossa Valley. 2021.
*13. Torbreck Vintners. The Steading. 2021.
*14. Summer Hill Wine Shop. 2018 Torbreck The Steading 375ml Barossa Valley. 2021.