Mourvèdre overview Mourvèdre (Monastrell in Spain) is a Southern grape, relatively difficult to grow. It does not do well under conditions that are too dry—it likes to get its feet wet—and is often grown near water. It is a late-ripeningvarietal, with compact clusters composed of small berries and hard skins. It is grown in Spain and in Southern France.
Plantings of Mourvèdre In France, Mourvèdre was the major variety in Provence before phylloxera, but after the epidemic, more productive varieties were planted. It is still a major component of Bandol, where the appellation rules require it to be >50% of the blend (with Grenache and Cinsault), although some wines are 90-100% Mourvèdre. It is grown in the Languedoc, most often blended with other Southern varieties, but occasionally used to make a monovarietal wine. The Southern Rhône is the Northern limit for growing Mourvèdre, and it is one of the varieties permitted in Châteauneuf du Pape; Château Beaucastel has a relatively high proportion. In Spain, it is the second most widely grown black grape, and is usually a minor component of a blend. It is the dominant variety in Jumilla.
The taste of Mourvèdre Maceration gives the wines a deep color, and the ripe fruits leads to high sugar and alcohol levels.The fruits give an impression of density and restraint, showing structure rather than forwardness, and can be a little spicy. In a blend, Mourvèdre adds aroma and spice.
Muscardin
