Triple threat: Three grenache-shiraz-mourvedre blends

Grenache-shiraz-mourvedre blends provide some of the best value for money in Aussie red wine drinking. They are loosely based on the Cotes-du-Rhone reds of south-eastern France, the southern or Mediterranean-influenced end of the long Rhone Valley. There are many grape varieties native to that area but the three main ones are grenache, shiraz (or syrah) and mourvedre (or mataro). Australians, especially in the warmer regions such as Barossa, McLaren Vale and Clare, use them in various combinations, but those with grenache as the main variety tend to be lighter, more aromatic and more charming wines. Shiraz can tend to dominate, making the wine darker, more tannic, and, well, more shirazzy.

Brave Souls The Able Seaman Grenache Shiraz Mourvedre 2016, Barossa Valley $28

Score 93

Brave Souls is a new brand with a story – about a historic shipwreck. Label art by Bruce Goold is a bonus. The bouquet is spicy, foresty and gently stemmy, and there's a touch of licorice on the finish. Plenty of depth and drive, full body and soft tannins. Great value to drink or cellar. Screw-cap; 14.5 per cent alcohol.

Ageing? Drink now to 13 years.

Stockists include Tom's Cellars, Sydney (NSW); Blackhearts & Sparrows, Melbourne (Vic).

Z Wine Roman Grenache Shiraz Mataro 2016, Barossa Valley $35

Score 92

From the Zerk sisters, Janelle and Kristen, comes a very stylish wine, half of which is 90-year-old bush-vine grenache. Deep, bright hue and ironstone-like, spicy, mineral bouquet lead into a wonderfully intense, complete palate with good line and persistence. A great-value red to drink or cellar. Screw-cap; 14.5 per cent alcohol.

Ageing? Drink now to 15 years.

Stockists include Prince Wine Store, Zetland (NSW) and South Melbourne (Vic).

D'Arenberg The Ironstone Pressings Grenache Shiraz Mourvedre 2015, McLaren Vale $70

Score 95

This one isn't cheap, but it does have a grand reputation – to which it usually lives up. Deep, dark, inky colour and a rich, ripe, spice, blackberry and herb bouquet. It's full-bodied and powerful, concentrated and dense on the palate. A big, generous wine of tremendous character. Screw-cap; 14.3 per cent alcohol.

Ageing? Drink now to 17 years plus.

Stockists include Platinum Liquor, Bellevue Hill (NSW); Prince Wine Store (Vic).