Willow Bridge Estate GSM 2023

Tasting Notes

🔹 Appearance – A rich, deep red hue with inviting clarity.

🔹 Aroma – Fresh forest berries, black satsuma plums, and a touch of vanilla spice fill the nose, creating an inviting bouquet.

🔹 Palate – The wine is juicy and full of crushed blackberries, dark red plums, and subtle rolling tannins that provide structure without overwhelming the palate.

🔹 Finish – The wine concludes with a peppery spice that lingers, balancing the rich fruit with a touch of complexity.

Winemaking

🔹 GSM Blend – A classic Rhône Valley blend of Grenache, Shiraz, and Mataro, each contributing to the wine’s vibrant fruit and balanced structure.

🔹 Vineyard Selection – The Grenache and Mataro vines, grafted in 2015, were planted on sites with optimal heat exposure to enhance ripening and flavour expression.

🔹 Fresh & Fruit-driven – The wine is made to highlight the purity of the fruit with minimal intervention, preserving the natural vibrancy of the blend.

Serving Temperature

🔹 Ideal – 16°C

🔹 Why – Slightly chilled to enhance its fresh, vibrant character, while allowing the spice and fruit complexity to shine.

🔹 How – Serve after a 15-20 minute rest from the fridge to hit the perfect drinking temperature.

🔹 Result – At the right temperature, the wine’s balance of fruit, spice, and texture will be at its best, offering a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Perfect Pairings

🔹 Roasted Meats – Ideal with dishes like roast lamb, pork belly, or grilled steaks, where the wine’s medium body complements the rich, savoury flavours.

🔹 Hearty Stews – Pair with slow-cooked beef or lamb stew to enhance the wine’s fruit and spice character.

🔹 Pizza & Charcuterie – A versatile wine for casual meals, complementing flavours like pizza with spicy sausage or a charcuterie platter.

FAQ: Wine Terms ❓

🔹 GSM Blend – A classic red wine blend of Grenache, Shiraz, and Mataro, originating from the Rhône Valley in France. Each variety contributes different elements—Grenache adds fruitiness, Shiraz provides spice, and Mataro brings tannic structure.

🔹 Soft Tannins – Refers to the smooth, rounded texture on the palate, with tannins that aren’t too harsh or astringent.

🔹 Forest Berry Compote – A rich, jam-like combination of berries such as blackberries, raspberries, and strawberries, which creates a deep and complex fruit profile.

🔹 Piquancy – A slight, pleasant sharpness or spice, often described as the tingling or zesty character on the finish.