{"id":1894,"date":"2018-03-08T16:52:08","date_gmt":"2018-03-08T16:52:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.winetraveler.com\/uncategorized\/mourvedre\/"},"modified":"2022-08-21T14:17:51","modified_gmt":"2022-08-21T18:17:51","slug":"mourvedre","status":"publish","type":"grape","link":"https:\/\/www.winetraveler.com\/grape\/mourvedre\/","title":{"rendered":"Mourv\u00e8dre"},"content":{"rendered":"

Mourv\u00e8dre<\/span>, also known as Monastrell, originated in Spain and is thought to have been brought to the region by the Phoenicians in the 1st century BCE. While the grape is not as well known as a standalone varietal, it is popular for blending in wines from regions like Ch\u00e2teauneuf du Pape<\/strong><\/a><\/span> in Rh\u00f4ne<\/strong><\/a>. This is due in part to the grape often producing wine that is fairly tannic and high in alcohol.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The Tasting Notes of Mourv\u00e8dre <\/strong><\/h2>\n

Mourv\u00e8dre <\/span>prefers very warm weather and adequate water to produce wines that show what this grape can really do. When done well, wines can exhibit flavors reminiscent of red berries, farmyard, wild game, earthy notes and red fruit. If grown in less than appropriate conditions, the wine can become jammy and overly herbaceous.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Care is required when growing and producing <\/span>Mourv\u00e8dre<\/span>. The grape grows in tight, compact clusters that make it susceptible to disease and mildew. To prevent the wine from becoming weak and overly herbaceous, it needs to be picked when sugar levels are slightly higher, though too high can lead to higher alcohol. These wines are also prone to oxidation and reductive flavors if care is not taken during the winemaking process.<\/span><\/p>\n

Wine Growing Regions for Mourv\u00e8dre<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The grape thrives in Spain, where it is known as Monastrell<\/strong><\/em> and, until recently, was the fourth most commonly planted red grape varietal. It is widely planted in Eastern Spain, and is one of the primary grapes in the regions of Jumilla, Yecla, Valencia, Almansa<\/strong><\/em> and Alicante<\/strong><\/em>. It is often blended with Grenache or Cinsault to soften the tannins and intense perfume flavors.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In France, Mourv\u00e8dre is grown mainly in the Southern Rhone, where it is consistently warm and can thrive in the heart. In classics like Ch\u00e2teauneuf-du-Pape, herbaceous and spicy Mourv\u00e8dre is used to add weight and structure to a blend of Grenache<\/strong><\/a><\/span>, Syrah<\/strong><\/a> and Cinsault. <\/span><\/p>\n

While Spain has been removing plantings of Mourv\u00e8dre to grow more Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, France is increasing the use of the grape both as a single varietal and blending grape. In Bandol, an appellation located in Southeast France<\/strong><\/a> in Provence, Mourv\u00e8dre is king. Many have come to associate this region as being the pinnacle of Mourv\u00e8dre production. The appellation requires that red wines include at least 50% of the grape, which adds spicy and earthy characteristics.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In the United States, Mourv\u00e8dre is grown in hotter areas of California and Washington State, though it is also planted in Arizona, Missouri, New Mexico, Texas and Virginia. These United States styles are less tannic, medium bodied, and have increased wild-game and spice notes. It is often used in Rhone-style blends, and rarely is seen as a standalone. It is used in a similar way in Australia, in GSM style blends, and may also be used to create cask and fortified wines.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Mourv\u00e8dre Wines & Blends to Try<\/strong><\/h2>\n