If you’ve read my Naked Bio, you’ll know it mentions my love of GSM blends. “All this experience has armed James-Paul with an incredible breadth of knowledge. Making blends like GSM is now one of his biggest joys, as it’s more an art than a science when trying to build structure”. Your patience and my toil for the past two years have brought my latest incarnation to the virtual shelves of Naked.
A GSM red blend from McLaren Vale has just been released exclusively for the Angels. The wine is a blend of three grape varieties (Grenache 50%, Shiraz 40% & Mourvedre 10%) from three different vineyards in South Australia's McLaren Vale.
The interesting part of the winemaking process is working with varieties that ripen at different stages: Shiraz first, then Grenache, followed by Mourvedre (Mataro) which means the individual parcels of fruit are fermented separately and tucked away in barrels as single varietals to mature. They are matured individually in selected high quality French oak barrels (predominately older oak), allowing the wines to soften and develop gracefully, but not imparting too much oak influence. The blend only comes together well after vintage once primary barrel allocation (grading) is completed.
This medium bodied wine demonstrates typical regional charm and definitive varietal fruit flavour with aromas of dried sage and herbs and bright fruit flavours. Released early (the first 2019 red to be released within 14 months of vintage) to show it's bright fruit character. The three varieties seamlessly mesh together as a complete blend. The Grenache's fruitiness and floral notes are complemented by the spicier Shiraz with Mourvedre adding structure and length.
GSM blends are traditionally known for their age-worthy potential, this one is different. The wine is released early to be enjoyed young and youthful maximising its bright fruit character. It is to be drunk young.
This medium bodied wine with a savoury edge is a true food friendly wine. It is the perfect accompaniment at a backyard barbecue or dinner party (with social distancing of course).
Enjoy the Unconventional, -JP
#InnovativeWinemaking #EnfantTerribleWines #McLarenVale #GSM #Grenache #Shiraz #
Mourvedre
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