Revealing the ABCs of GSMs

摘要

Charles melton wines' Nine Popes is among Australia's most highly regarded Grenache-Shiraz-Mourvedre (GSM) blends, or any wine, for that matter. Charlie Melton agreed to a Wine Industry Journal request to provide a written report on how he goes about making Nine Popes, including viticulture, winemaking and marketing methods. This special GSM Varietal Report also includes reports by Chester Osborn, Kym Teusner, Don Lewis and Steve Lienert. The Journal is very grateful for their assistance and cooperation. Nine Popes is a blend of Grenache, Shiraz and Mourvedre. The Grenache is sourced from a small number of dry grown bush vine vineyards ranging from approximately 50 to well over 100 years old. The Grenache is pruned to two bud spurs with the total bud numbers varying from 10-20, depending on the vines. We find that Grenache can vary in its crop load to some extent, even when all other things are equal, so we will bunch thin if necessary to achieve a yield ideal of hopefully 1.2-1.6 tonnes per acre (3-4 tonnes per hectare).