Another consistently good Trader Joe's pick, the Pontificis GSM.
40% Grenache, 35% Syrah and 25% Mourvedre from Languedoc-Roussillon, France. It has 7 g/L of residual sugar.
The Pontificis GSM is available exclusively at Trader Joe's for $6.99. It is imported by Latitude Wines.
Produced in the Languedoc-Roussillon, between sea and mountain, from the three local grape varieties Grenache (40%), Syrah (35%) and Mourvedre (25%), Pontificis is deep purple in colour, with aromas of spice, black fruits and herbs and a palate of supple, yet rich spicy fruit. It is a beautiful representation of the best of the South of France.
Enjoy at 64F with meats in sauce, mediterranean dishes, marinated game and cheeses.
Bottled for Badet Clement
13.5% Alcohol
We're big fans of both wines from the Languedoc and GSM blends so we were quite happy a few years ago to find this wine at such a low price at Trader Joe's. We first recommended the 2011 vintage and while the quality can vary vintage to vintage, it's always been rated as at least a Recommended Buy since then. Read on to find out how this latest vintage measures up.
The 2019 Badet Clement Pontificis GSM Blend begins with pleasant aromas of dark red fruit, a few oaky notes, menthol and some light herbal notes.
Tasting the wine reveals juicy, sweet, berry fruit wrapped up in a smooth texture. It turns a bit oaky on mid-palate with some cola notes leading into the finish.
It ends dry, a bit grippy and much longer than it should for just $7 with cola and sweet berry fruit notes lasting for quite awhile. We found it to be even a bit better on day 2.
Always a solid recommendation and at only $6.99 you might as well keep a few bottles on hand! And for those curious, while it's similar in may respects to the Tenebres GSM (which is also a Trader Joe's exclusive), we found the Pontificis to be both a bit drier in style and a step up in quality overall which is well worth it in our opinion for just $1 more.
You can also find more of our favorite Red Blends here.
