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. 

Tony Love

Journalist at Winepilot

Tony is best known for his 10 years as News Corp’s National Wine Writer, with weekly columns in major metropolitan mastheads throughout Australia including The Adelaide Advertiser, The Sydney Daily Telegraph and the Melbourne Herald Sun. He continues to write feature articles and columns for all the major Australian wine media publications. Tony has also worked as a restaurant reviewer, section editor, book editor, digital content provider, journalism teacher and was named Wine Communicators of Australia 2018 Legend of the Vine (SA). Find out more about Tony at tonylove.com.au

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