Wines
GSM (Grenache, Shiraz, Mourvedre)
Wine style and varietal guide
Reviewed by the WhatDrink Editorial TeamSuggest a correction
- Red
- Red • Dry
- 12–14.5% ABV
- Medium body
- Dry sweetness
- medium acidity
Is this for me?
Choose this if…
- ✓You prefer dry, crisp wines without residual sweetness.
Skip if…
- ✗You prefer sweeter or off-dry wines.
At a Glance
12–14.5%ABV
DrySweetness
mediumAcidity
MediumTannin
MediumBody
16°CServe
Nutrition values are style-level estimates. Actual values vary by producer and serving size. How we calculate this →
On this page
What is GSM (Grenache, Shiraz, Mourvedre)?
A blend of Grenache, Shiraz, and Mourvedre grapes. It is a full-bodied wine with flavors of dark fruit, spice, and pepper. It is mostly produced in Australia and France.
Taste profile
Dry sweetnessmedium acidityMedium tanninsMedium bodyBlack FruitRed FruitSpicyFull Bodied
Sensory profile
BodyLight – Full
DrynessSweet – Bone dry
TanninSoft – Grippy
AcidityFlat – Crisp
FruitinessEarthy – Fruity
BoldnessDelicate – Bold
Beginner-friendlyAcquired taste – Easy intro
- Style: Red
- ABV range: 12–14.5%
- Medium body
- Dry sweetness
- Body
- Medium
- Sweetness
- Dry
- Acidity
- medium
- Tannin
- Medium
- Black Fruit · medium intensity — Shiraz and Mourvedre components can add dark fruit.
- Red Fruit · high intensity — GSM blends commonly show ripe red fruit.
- Spicy · high intensity — GSM blends commonly show spice character.
- Full Bodied · medium intensity — GSM blends are commonly medium-to-full bodied.
Based on structured style profile and canonical flavor relationships.
Grape & region
- Grape varieties
- Grenache, Shiraz, Mourvedre
- Region(s)
- Southern Rhone, Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale
- Country
- France / Australia
- Sweetness
- Dry
- Skin contact
- Extended red-wine skin contact
How it’s made
- Method
- Red blend made from Grenache, Shiraz/Syrah and Mourvèdre, with each variety fermented on skins and blended for fruit, spice, body and structure.
How to serve
- Serving temperature
- 16°C
- Glassware
- Bordeaux glass
When to serve
DinnerSavoury foodRed
Dietary
How GSM (Grenache, Shiraz, Mourvedre) fits common dietary preferences (general guidance — always check the specific producer).
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-Free
Alternatives to try
Reviewed style alternatives
- Rhone BlendBoth red styles; similar sweetness (dry); medium body.
- GrenacheBoth red styles; similar sweetness (dry); medium body.
- MontepulcianoBoth red styles; similar sweetness (dry); medium body.
- Baco NoirBoth red styles; similar sweetness (dry); medium body.
- BobalBoth red styles; similar sweetness (dry); medium body.
Style alternatives preserve drink-family context but can change sweetness, acidity, bitterness, body, aroma or alcohol range.
Frequently asked questions
- What is GSM (Grenache, Shiraz, Mourvedre)?
- A blend of Grenache, Shiraz, and Mourvedre grapes. It is a full-bodied wine with flavors of dark fruit, spice, and pepper. It is mostly produced in Australia and France.
- What does GSM (Grenache, Shiraz, Mourvedre) taste like?
- GSM (Grenache, Shiraz, Mourvedre) is often described as Black Fruit, Red Fruit, Spicy, Full Bodied. Flavour intensity varies by region, producer and vintage.
- What foods pair with GSM (Grenache, Shiraz, Mourvedre)?
- GSM (Grenache, Shiraz, Mourvedre) pairs well with Charcuterie, Cheese Board, Roast Meat, Steak. Food pairing suggestions are based on complementary flavour profiles.
- How strong is GSM (Grenache, Shiraz, Mourvedre)?
- GSM (Grenache, Shiraz, Mourvedre) typically has an ABV of 12–14.5%. Strength varies by producer and vintage.
- When should I drink GSM (Grenache, Shiraz, Mourvedre)?
- GSM (Grenache, Shiraz, Mourvedre) works well as an aperitif, with a meal, or as a standalone sipping wine. The ideal occasion depends on the body and sweetness level — lighter styles suit casual dining while fuller-bodied wines complement heartier dishes.
- What wines are similar to GSM (Grenache, Shiraz, Mourvedre)?
- If you enjoy GSM (Grenache, Shiraz, Mourvedre), explore other wine styles with a similar body and flavour profile using the sensory bars as a guide. Wines with matching acidity and tannin scores will feel closest in character.
- Does GSM (Grenache, Shiraz, Mourvedre) improve with age?
- Cellaring potential for GSM (Grenache, Shiraz, Mourvedre) depends on the producer, vintage and storage conditions. Most everyday expressions are best enjoyed within 3–5 years of release. Premium examples may benefit from longer ageing — check producer notes for guidance.
- What do the sensory profile dimensions mean?
- Sensory profile dimensions describe key flavour characteristics: Body (light to full), Dryness (sweet to bone dry), Acidity (flat to crisp), Tannin/Bitterness (soft to grippy), Fruitiness (subtle to prominent), Boldness (delicate to bold) and Beginner-Friendly (acquired taste to easy intro). Each scale helps you compare wine styles at a glance.
- How do I use the sensory profile to find wines I like?
- If you enjoy light, crisp wines look for Light Body with Crisp Acidity. For bold, rich wines choose Full Body with Grippy Tannin. Compare GSM (Grenache, Shiraz, Mourvedre) with similar wine styles to find your next favourite.
Last updated
Wine style information is approximate and varies by producer, region, vintage and serving size.