Mourvèdre Grapes and Wines

Mourvèdre is variety of black grape that is grown around the world. It is known by different names in different parts of the world. For example, in Spain it is known as Monastrell, in Portugal and the New World it is known as Mataro. It is best known for its blending role in Southern Rhône.

 

The Mourvèdre grape vines are among the latest to bud and the grapes ripen slowly. Close proximity to large bodies of water facilitates ripening. This makes it a better candidate to grow well on the Mediterranean coast. The tight bunching requires good ventilation so the grapes will not rot.

 

Mourvèdre vines can be destroyed by cold winter frosts, and are drought sensitive, but they survive well in hot, windy areas.

Mourvèdre grapes are grown in Australia, France, Spain and the Unites States. In Spain, 250,000 acres are planted. In Australia the Mourvèdre grape is found in the Barossa Valley. Australia vineyards have blended Grenache, Shiraz and Mataro as "GSM" wines.

 

In California Mourvèdre was first established in Contra Costa County. The wine's increasing popularity has resulted in hundreds of new acres of plantings.

 

Mourvèdre grows in much of Southern France but decreased in popularity after the phylloxera outbreak. Now it grows well in Bandol on the Mediterranean coast of Provence because the sandy soil is free of phylloxera. The acreage of vineyards has grown tremendously in this region of France recently.

The word Mourvèdre is of French derivation but the grape is a native of Spain. The names Mataró and Mourvèdre probably come from the towns of Mataró, a town near Barcelona where the variety was grown, and Murviedro near Valencia.

 

In the Middle Ages it was brought to Provence. It was the dominant grape in Southern Rhone until the phylloxera devastation in the 19th century wiped out much of the vineyards. This particular grape did not graft well to phylloxera-resistant rootstock, so it took over 60 years until after World War II before plantings increased substantially in France. Jacques Perrin of Chateau de Beaucastel led the efforts to regenerate the grape.

Mourvèdre wines vary in taste depending on where the grapes are grown. The flavor has been described as being spicy, gamey and earthy with fruity soft flavors. As it ages it tastes more of leather and truffles.

 

American varieties are less intense in both color and flavor than their French counterparts. The Cline Ancient Vines Mourvèdre boasts soft tannins with a deep plum flavor and a hint of chocolate. Nadeau Mourvèdre comes from an area west of Paso Robles. Its soft tannins and deep fruit flavors are set off by its spicy aroma.

 

Mourvèdre is often used in blends to increase color and tannins. They provide structure, backbone and aging potential.

These wines in general pair well with earthy flavors since they are themselves earthy and rich. Some foods that are suggested include grilled and roasted meats, root vegetables, mushrooms and dark fowl such as duck.

Several producers of Mourvèdre include Casa Castillo and Bodegas Castano of Spain. In California, Nadeau Family Vintners and Tablas Creek Vineyards are located in the Paso Robles area.