The GSM acronym has about 500 different meanings, but in wine terminology it typically stands for grenache, syrah, and mourvedre.  But it can also be interpreted to simply mean solid wines for great values. This blend started in the Rhone region in France.

Since Spring is right around the corner it is time to check out some of the OTHER white wines.  Verdicchio is one of Italy's finest.  Verdicchio (the grape) is a fast growing, high acid grape grown almost exclusively in Central Italy.  Verdicchio grows best in well drained soils of sand and limestone.

Since this week's wine special is from Italy we are rolling with Valpolicella for this week's Word of the Week. Valpolicella is a wine producing region in the province of Verona.  Valpolicella makes some damn good wines and while they may not be Brunello or Barolo, they are affordable and enjoyable.

by Chris Giellis, Mile High Wine and Spirits

The vinification processes that red and white wines follow include many common steps, but there are some fundamental differences between the two. White wines are fermented without the grape skins and other solids that are incurred during the vinification process. Red wines on the other hand are fermented in contact with the grape skins. The reason for this fundamental difference in the vinification process is the imparting of the grape skin’s color and tannin. The basic wine making procedure is defined by steps that are consistent (in almost all aspects) across varying regions and appellations around the world.