RAGA Grenache Sangiovese Marsanne 2023

RAGA Wines is the passion project of former chef and sommelier Sid Pachere, a career in which he no doubt fell head over heals for wines with appropriate table manners yet with a style and palate energy that also sets up for easy going party times. This GSM suggests such playfulness as well as a keen eye on the varietal characteristics of its three components; yes Grenache (45%) but then Sangiovese (not Shiraz as is more usual) in equal top billing with a 10% splash of Marsanne (not Mataro, as is the normal “M”). At first the colour tells us we are in light to medium weight territory – rubyesque. The fragrance reflects the joy of Grenache – red fruits, native bush florals, and crushed rock and mineral, much of this slipping very easily into the tasting moment, where red berries and a pepper spice add their two-pence. A synergy of all the parts is the key to this wine’s pleasures, though perhaps a light clouding of Sangio’s expected tannins reveal that variety’s voice in the overall three part harmony. And maybe a little palate aromatic lift in the finish from the Marsanne. There you go – it pays to look a little deeper to uncover these secrets if you wish.  Then again, it’s a pretty wine to pour, chilled at an afternoon garden bash – and at 12.5% abv that mind lean far too easily into another bottle. Job done.