Jason Schlagel, left, and Jeremy Santo walk through Red Heaven Vineyard on Red Mountain to check on the ripeness of their Grenache grapes, one of the three varieties they use in GSM-style blends. (Photo by Andy Perdue/Great Northwest Wine)
Among the most exciting developments in Washington wine country in the past decade is the rising interest in red Rhone varieties.
This includes such grapes as Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Cinsault, Counoise, and a few other varieties. Syrah has developed a keen interest in Washington, becoming our third most-popular red grape and making some of the state’s most interesting reds.
Of particular interest is a red blend using three of these grapes. Known by their initials “GSM, which stands for the three main grapes: Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre, this is modeled after the red wines of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, an area of the Rhône Valley near the city of Avignon. Among the most famous producers is Château de Beaucastel.
These blends are among the most famous in France, and the versions being crafted in Washington are among the most exciting and fascinating to come out of the hundreds of red blends being made statewide. The resulting wines are jammy with rich, ripe flavors, backed by spiciness and supported with plump, approachable tannins.
Here are seven examples of GSM blends being made across the great Northwest. Ask for them at your favorite wine merchant, or buy directly from the wineries.
To not even mention Palencia wineries Casa Amirillo GSM is a travesty.
If you haven’t had it, you must immediately.
Scott,
We agree that Victor’s 2014 GSM was indeed a stunning wine.
https://greatnorthwestwine.com/2017/02/17/palencia-wine-co-2014-casa-amarilla-grenache-syrah-mourvedre-yakima-valley-36/
Syncline “Subduction Red” needs to be included, in part, because it has the 3 GSM + Cinsault & Carignan.
Just starin’
Covington Cellars ” MA Belle”should be included. Cinsault has been been added to the 2013 GSM blend. A most appealing wine.
W hy can’t I get midsummer’s white Columbia valley in OHio
Greetings, Steve.
Is it this Chateau Ste. Michelle wine that you are referencing?
https://www.ste-michelle.com/our-wines/2016-limited-release-midsummers-white
I would suggest you contact Ste. Michelle, but I believe that might be limited to the Woodinville tasting room.
Sincerely,
Eric