GSM stands for Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre and is sometimes used as an abbreviation name for wines made of a combination of these grapes. Here's what these grapes bring to these wines.

Grenache gives suppleness and berry-like flavors to the wines. Syrah provides body and depth. And Mourvèdre adds tannins and aromatics (phenolics) . The proportions of these grapes vary according to the winemaker's style. Some other South Rhone varieties such as Cinsault and Counoise may be added, usually in smaller percentages.

Here are some of the principal areas where wines are made from these varieties.

Châteauneuf du Pape - This is the best known South Rhone appellation. Named for the residence of the Avignon Popes, the wines can consist of up to fifteen varieties, but are usually mostly Grenache (up to 80%) with some Syrah and Mourvèdre and occasionally Cinsault and or Counoise. The are wines typically rich and generous yet deep and complex.

Gigondas - This appellation is located northeast of Avignon in the foothills of the Montmirail Mountains. Here, too, Grenache is the predominant grape with portions of Syrah and Mourvèdre. The wines are a bit more rugged and less complex than those of Châteauneuf du Pape.

Côtes du Rhone Villages - Situated around Gigondas and Avignon are other satellite appellations, including Tavel and Lirac, similar to Châteauneuf du Pape and Rasteau and Vacqueyras near Gigondas. 

Here are some South Rhone wines that were reviewed recently in the Review Blog:

2018 Famille Perrin Gigondas, "La Gille" ($35.99) - Fine value from a respected producer. Reviewed August 18. 18.5+/20 points.

2017 Jaboulet Gigondas, "Pierre Aguille" ($23.99) - An excellent value, comprised of 80% Grenache and 10% each of Syrah and Mourvèdre. Reviewed August 18. 18.5/20 points.

2017 Lavau Gigondas ($27.99) - Comprised of 50% Grenache, 40% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre, this is another good value. Reviewed August 18. 18.5/20 points.

2017 Alain Jaume Gigondas, "Terrasses de Montmirail" ($37.99) - From old vines, this possesses great depth and complexity. Reviewed August 18. 19/20 points.

2018 Famille Perrin Châteauneuf du Pape, "Les Sinards" ($41.99) - From the owners of the prestigious Château de Beaucastel, this is an impressive value. Reviewed July 1. 19/20 points.

2017 Grand Veneur Châteauneuf du Pape, "Le Miocene" ($56.99) - This old vine blend of 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 10% Mourvedre is outstanding. Reviewed June 23. 19+/20 points.

Here are some Washington GSM wines that were in recent issues of the Review of Washington Wines:

2019 Walla Walla Vintners "GSM" Red Blend, Red Mointain ($42) - 60% Syrah, 22% Grenache and 12% Mourvèdre. Reviewed October. 19/20 points.

2019 L'Ecole No 41 "GSM" Red Wine, Walla Walla Valley, Seven Hills Vineyard ($39) - One third each of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. Reviewed October. 19/20 points

2020 Foundry Vineyards GSM" Red Wine, Columbia Valley, Conley Vineyard ($40) - 38% Grenache, 33% Syrah and 29% Mourvedre, partially carbonic fermented. Reviewed October. 19/20 points.

2018 The Walls "The Ramparts" Red Wine, Red Mountain ($38) - 47% Mourvedre, 22% Syrah, 18% Grenache, 13% Counoise. Reviewed September. 19/20 points.

2018 Helix "SoRho" Red Wine, Wahluke Slope, Weinbau Vineyard ($46) - 49% Mourvedre, 28% Grenache, 23% Cinsault. Reviewed September. 19/20 points.

2018 Cairdeas "Caslan an Papa" Red Wine, Yakima Valley, Boushey Vineyard ($55) - 27% Syrah, 23% Grenache, 22% Mourvedre, 17% Cinault, 11% Counoise. Reviewed September. 19+/20 points.

Here are six wines to be reviewed in the November issue (on line October 25):

2019 The Walls "The Ramparts" Red Wine, Red Mountain ($38) - 53% Grenache, 22% Mourvedre, 14% Counoise, 11% Syrah. 19/20 points.

2019 Avennia "Justine" Red Wine, Columbia Valley ($40) - 67% Grenache, 23% Mourvedre, 15% Syrah. 19/20 points.

2019 DeLille Cellars "Métier" Red Wine, Columbia Valley ($45) - 42% Grenache, 23% Mourvèdre, 20% Syrah, 2% Cinsault. 19/20 points.

2018 Eight Bells "Southern Voyage" Red Wine, Yakima Valley ($38) - 39% Grenache, 17% Cinsault, 14% Counoise, 13% Marsanne, 4% Mourvèdre. 19/20 points.

2019 Numbskull Red Wine, Columbia Valley ($38) - 53% Syrah, 25% Mourvèdre, 22% Grenache. 19/20 points.

2019 Board Track Racer "The Shift" Red Wine, Columbia Valley ($28) - 50% Mourvèdre, 47% Syrah, 3% Grenache. 18.5/20 points.