GSM Wines

Definition - What does GSM Wines mean?

GSM wines are those wines which are a blend of the three red grapes: Grenache, Syrah (Shiraz) and Mourvedre. The blend originated in the region of Southern Rhone in France. This blend is specifically designed to introduce a particular essence from each grape in order to produce the signature final blend; each grape variety contributes certain characteristics to the blend as folows:

  • Grenache - spice and rich red fruit along with alcohol
  • Syrah (Shiraz) - dark fruit character
  • Mourvedre - tannin structure, persistence in length on palate and color

WineFrog explains GSM Wines

While GSM wine originated in France from the AOC of Cotes du Rhone, with the more recognized blends from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, other regions of France also make the Grenache, Syrah (Shiraz), Mourvedre blend, like Vacqueras and Corbieres in southern France. It is also a popular red blend to make on California's Central Coast where the climate is similar to that of Southern Rhone.

In Australia, GSM blends are widely produced, with a strong focus on the Shiraz variety which makes up a large percentage of the blend.