A sweeter and jammier version of another popular GSM blend from Trader Joe's, we review the Ténèbres GSM.
34% Grenache, 33% Syrah and 33% Mourvedre from France. The wine has 9.5 g/L of residual sugar.
The Tenebres GSM is available exclusively at Trader Joe's and sells for just $5.99. It is imported by Plume Ridge.
Dive into the darkness of this thirst quenching jammy red wine. Notes of oak, black cherry and cinnamon will enlighten your palate, as the bright stars dash through the sky. Pair with soy chorizo and cauliflower tacos, spicy shredded bbq chicken, bolognese sauce and stuffed peppers.
13.5% Alcohol
It's hard not to compare today's wine to another very popular GSM blend at Trader Joe's - the Pontificis GSM. With very similar blends, similar regions, only $1 difference in price and their shared Trader Joe's exclusivity it's a natural thing to do. It turns out; however, that these are actually quite different wines that will likely appeal to different audiences. Read on for more.
The 2020 Ténèbres GSM begins with lots of jammy, ripe dark fruit and a little cinnamon spice with maybe a touch of earthiness underneath.
Taking a sip reveals this one is all about the ripe, jammy fruit - but it's pretty tasty fruit at that. It even has a bit of a meaty note from the Syrah but is otherwise fairly one dimensional and a bit on the sweet side.
It ends mostly dry with lingering jammy fruit plus a bit of the spice from nose returning. Overall, it's pretty simple but sure to be a crowd pleaser.
It does get a bit less one dimensional with time in the glass so give it plenty of air. We found it to be at its best on day 2.
This is clearly a step below the Pontificis GSM in our opinion but it's a great pick for those who prefer wines that are jammy and a bit sweet and may therefore find the Pontificis a bit too dry for their taste.
You can also find more of our favorite Red Blends here!
