Mourvèdre: What to Know and 5 Bottles to Try

If you love flavor-packed red wines, it's a sure bet you'll like mourvèdre. This tiny, tannic variety, also sometimes referred to as mataro or monastrell, packs a serious punch. And if you're a frequent full-bodied red blend drinker, then you may have already consumed more of it than you think—it's frequently found in blends alongside grenache and syrah.

What Is Mourvèdre?

Mourvèdre is a dark-skinned red grape variety that is grown in many viticultural areas around the world. The grape is commonly used in red blends since it is known for creating tannic wines with high levels of alcohol, though it is also vinified monovarietally. The grape buds and ripens late, and tends to perform best in very hot and dry climates. On the vine, mourvèdre berries are small and compact, and generally grow in cone-shaped clusters.

Where Does Mourvèdre Come From?

Although mourvèdre originates from the Mediterranean area of Spain, the grape is now commonly associated with southern French wine regions, particularly Provence and the Rhône Valley. In Spain, the grape is found across Valencia and Jumilla. In New World regions, mourvèdre has a strong presence in California and Washington state, and is also a key player in South Australia's viticultural scene.

How Is Mourvèdre Made?

Mourvèdre is vinified in a variety of styles, and its ultimate flavor profile depends on the producer and their preferences. The grape is used both in blended and varietal winemaking. When used in blends, the grape is known for bringing color, tannins, and gamey red-fruited flavors to the final wine.

What Are Other Names for Mourvèdre?

While much of the world, including France and the United States, identifies the grape variety as Mourvèdre, the variety is also called mataro (specifically in Portugal and Australia) and monastrell (in Spain). Allegedly, there are nearly 100 different names for Mourvèdre worldwide.

What Is a GSM Blend?

GSM blends are composed of a mix of grenache, syrah, and mourvèdre grapes. These blends are most commonly produced in the South of France and Australia, though domestic expressions are on the rise.

What Does Mourvèdre Taste Like?

Whether used in blends or vinified on its own, mourvèdre is known for producing tannic, flavor-packed wines. Flavors of red fruit, dark berries, game, and earthy are all common tasting notes associated with mourvèdre.

Which Foods Pair Well with Mourvèdre?

Due to its rustic, full-bodied nature, mourvèdre wines pair best with equally hearty foods. We recommend sipping it with braised beef, roast leg of lamb, or savory vegetarian stews.

These are five bottles to try.