Tscharke Elements Grenache Shiraz Mourvèdre 2022: Tasting Notes

WINE STYLE → Barossa GSM With Herbal Spice

A deep-crimson Barossa blend that smells like a walk through a herb garden after rain: thyme, sage, lavender and violets over blueberry, plum and dark cherry. There’s a gentle chocolatey note in the background, then the palate turns savoury and structured, with a velvety texture and well-rounded tannins carrying the finish. It’s generous, but not heavy—more spice, herbs and dark fruit than sweetness, with enough grip to make food taste even better.

Highlights

• Certified organic and vegan-suitable
• Blend: 41% Grenache, 30% Shiraz, 29% Mourvèdre
• Concrete and stainless open-top fermentation, plus Grenache stalks and a portion of whole-bunch Mourvèdre for savoury lift
• Aged in barrels and terracotta amphorae, then bottled after eight months’ maturation
• 15.0% ABV
• Halliday Wine Companion: 93 points (2022 vintage, Dave Brookes)

Tasting Notes

Plum and dark cherry lead, then the “blue fruit” spectrum—blueberry and mulberry—plus violets and dried herbs. You’ll notice a savoury edge that reads like forest floor and crushed stone, balanced by ripe fruit and precise acidity. The tannins are fine but present, creating a velvety, lingering finish that feels made for the dinner table.

Winemaking

The 2022 blend is 41% Grenache, 30% Shiraz and 29% Mourvèdre. Handpicked parcels were fermented in concrete and stainless open-top fermenters. Grenache stalks and a portion of whole-bunch Mourvèdre were included to build savoury fragrance and structure, with manual punch-downs and pump-overs over 7–10 days of fermentation. Each parcel completed malolactic fermentation, then was racked to barrels and terracotta amphorae; after three months the final blend was assembled and matured for a further five months before bottling.

Vineyard & Vintage

According to the winery, deep winter rains and a mild spring set the tone for a standout 2022 in the Barossa, with warm days and cool nights helping flavour build while acidity stayed naturally high. Low disease pressure allowed clean, healthy fruit to shine. The result here is a GSM that feels both ripe and fresh—dark-fruited, herbal and beautifully balanced.

Why We Love It

It’s the kind of Barossa blend that hits the sweet spot between “cosy” and “bright”. You get plush fruit and a velvety mouthfeel, but the herbs, spice and savoury structure keep it seriously food-friendly. It’s also a brilliant option when you want one red that can handle everything from lamb to mushrooms to barbecue.

Food Pairing

This GSM loves protein, smoke and herbs. Lean into lamb, char-grilled vegetables, and tomato-based dishes with earthy spices.

Try matching this wine with →

• Harissa roast chicken with carrots — Find a Recipe
• Beef kofta with tahini yoghurt — Find a Recipe
• Chorizo and chickpea stew — Find a Recipe

Mood or occasion to match this wine…

A Saturday-night shared table: roast lamb, a big tray of charred veg, and one bottle that keeps everyone happy. Pop it in the fridge for 10 minutes if the room is warm—GSM handles a tiny chill beautifully.

Cellaring

Drink now for plush fruit and lifted herbs, or cellar 5–8 years for more savoury, earthy complexity. Once opened, re-cork and refrigerate; it will usually hold well for 3–5 days.

Producer

Tscharke is a Barossa producer based in Marananga, run by Damien Tscharke, a sixth-generation farmer and grower-winemaker. The range leans into “site and season” detail, using thoughtful ferments (including stalks and whole bunch when it suits) and vessels like concrete and terracotta amphorae to shape texture without masking fruit. The result is Barossa wine with genuine energy—ripe, herbal, savoury and built for the table.

Related Wines To Try →

If you’re loving the GSM groove, here are three more bottles with that same Rhône-blend charm.

• Another Barossa classic with juicy fruit and savoury depth — Kalleske Clarry's Grenache Shiraz Mataro
• McLaren Vale Rhône blend with spice and polish — Yangarra Circle Field Blend
• Plush, structured organic red blend for slow dinners — Battle of Bosworth Puritan Shiraz

FAQ

What does Tscharke Elements GSM taste like?

Plum, dark cherry and blueberry with thyme, sage and lavender, plus a gentle chocolatey note. It finishes dry and savoury, with a velvety texture and fine, persistent tannins.

Is this GSM dry or sweet?

It’s dry. The fruit feels generous and ripe, but there’s no sweetness—herbs, spice and tannin keep the palate savoury.

How full-bodied is it?

Medium-to-full bodied, with a plush mid-palate and a structured finish. If you like your reds with presence (but not heavy or syrupy), this is right in the zone.

How should I serve it?

Serve at 16–18°C in a medium-to-large red wine glass. If it’s a warm night, a quick 10–15 minutes in the fridge will sharpen the aromatics and make it feel even more refreshing.

Do I need to decant it?

Not essential, but a short decant helps it open up, especially if it’s been cool-stored. Give it 20–30 minutes and the herbs and florals become more obvious.

What foods pair best with this wine?

Lamb is a classic match, but it’s also brilliant with barbecue, charred veg, mushrooms and tomato-based pasta. Anything smoky, herby or a little earthy plays beautifully with the savoury finish.

Is it vegan and organic?

Yes. It’s certified organic and vegan-suitable, which means it’s made without animal-derived fining agents.

Does it contain preservatives (sulphites)?

Most wines contain some naturally occurring sulphites, and many also have a small addition at bottling for freshness and stability. If you want a wine with no added preservative, choose one labelled “No Added Preservative” on our site.

How long will it last once opened?

Re-cork and keep it in the fridge, and it should drink well for around 3–5 days. The fruit stays generous while the savoury side tends to become even more pronounced.

Who will love this wine?

If you love GSM blends, Barossa Shiraz with a herbal twist, or Rhône-style reds with spice and structure, this will be an easy yes. It’s also a great step up for Pinot drinkers who want more depth without going straight to a heavy, oaky red.

(SKU: TC_GSM_CV)