Of all the red blends in the world, few are celebrated quite like the GSM blend. The term “GSM” is an acronym that stands for the three wines most commonly used, Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvédre. While these three are essential for the blend, it’s not unusual to find a variety of red and white grapes being used.

The GSM blend is prized for its balance, ageability, and complexity. Its well-rounded flavor profile makes it a food friendly wine that’s neither overpowering nor subtle. While these three grapes separately make for delicious wines, they somehow mesh together to make a wine that light and big red wine drinkers crave.

A few more notes on GSM Blends:

• The term “GSM” was coined in Australia, and at least two of the three grapes originated in Spain. However, you’ll find the best examples come from the Rhône Valley in France.

• Many of Rhône’s highest rated reds contain higher percentages of Grenache, though realistically, a “GSM” can have more Syrah or Mourvédre, depending on the vintage and winemaker’s preference.

• In Southern Rhône, you can find as many as 19 grape varieties used to make this blend, including 9 white grapes.

The following guide will illustrate what a GSM blend often tastes like (aroma, flavor, and structure). It will also tell you where they’re from, provide you with common food recommendations, similar blends, and let you know why you should be drinking more of them!

No two bottles of GSM will taste the same, especially if we’re talking old world versus new world wines. In general, you may find a glass of GSM exudes flavors of black cherry, plum, raspberry, tobacco, smoke, ground pepper, and green bell pepper. Following some aging, these flavors can soften and reveal more dried fruit and vanilla notes.

Keep in mind the flavor of wine will depend greatly on your palate, and not all wines may exhibit these aromas and flavors!

While Grenache and Mourvédre both originated in Spain, the three grapes joined forces in France, particularly in the Southern Rhône Valley and, to a lesser extent, in the Languedoc-Roussillon region. The highest-rated and most expensive examples of this blend are from the Châteauneuf-du-Pape region of Southern Rhône.

This blend’s success in this region is likely due to its unique growing climate. With a warm Mediterranean climate and warm, dry summers, these heat-loving grapes are able to thrive with minimal water and develop concentrated, meaty, and black fruit flavors. Grenache often leads the blend, offering red fruit, herbal garrigue, and spice, while Syrah adds dark fruit and structure, and Mourvèdre brings earthy complexity and age-ability. The French expression tends to be medium- to full-bodied, with moderate alcohol and restrained oak influence. Styles are more finessed and evolve beautifully with age, developing savory and tertiary notes.

Here, Grenache is Garnacha and Mourvédre is Monastrell. In Spain’s Catalonia region, GSM blends use a good amount of Carignan as well and show more richness and minerality, especially in Priorat where the licorella (slate) soils impart a distinct graphite-like character. These wines are typically bold and concentrated, often with higher alcohol levels and more prominent oak use than in France. While powerful, they retain complexity and a strong sense of place thanks to old vines and rugged terroir.

Here, Syrah is Shiraz and Mourvédre is Mataro. Most Australian GSM blends are lush, fruit-forward, and generous in style. Grenache is typically from old bush vines, and gives sweet more red berry notes, while Shiraz contributes juicy plum, spice, and chocolate richness. The warm climate results in full-bodied wines with high alcohol, soft tannins, and a plush texture. Oak usage is more noticeable, frequently American oak, adding vanilla and toast notes. A general juicy richness is often found with these blends.

GSM blends are also popular in The United States, in both California and Washington state.

Other pairings: blue cheese, roasted vegetables, pizza, lentils, mushrooms, and beef brisket