Mourvèdre

Mourvèdre is a variety of wine grape grown around the world, and is Spain's second-most important red wine grape after Garnacha, and was once Provence's most popular grape.

Although most commonly known by its French name, Mourvèdre is known by a variety of synonyms: in Spain it is the Monastrell (and occasionally as Morastell or Morrastel), and in the New World it is the Mataro (and occasionally as Esparte). The name comes from the fact that the grape is believed to have originated near the town of Mataró in Cataluña. In certain regions of France it is also still known as Estrangle-Chien ("dog strangler").

The grape requires a hot climate to ripen, and is thus only found in the very south of France. Even in Spain it is only grown in any quantities in the southern half of the country. In hot years, however, it is capable of producing high-alcohol wines with a high level of tannin, but its producers have so far been unable to create world-class wines. Nonetheless, Mourvèdre is more than capable of generating vin de table with a great degree of finesse, especially in blends with Syrah and Grenache.

Its taste varies greatly according to area, but often has a wild, gamey or farmyard flavour, with soft fruit flavours of blackberry.

Found in many of the appellations of southern France, its stature is not what it once was in Provence, but is still used to soften the harsh oxidation of the Grenache there. Probably Mourvèdre's finest region is Bandol on the Mediterranean coast of Provence where it dominates the region, producing wines reminiscent of Châteauneuf du Pape .

It is particularly successful in the Jumilla region of Spain where it is used as a varietal, or in blends with Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo or Merlot.

Its finest New World plantings are in Australia and California.