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Written by Master Sommelier Evan Goldstein

Many wine lovers know this grape by its French name, Mourvèdre, although that is not universal. In Spain, it is generally known as Monastrell, as well as Mataro in Spain, California, and Australia (with the Mataro name drawn from the small town of Mataró in Catalonia). Overlooked but interesting, regardless of what you call it, this grape offers up peppery fruit and an edgy earthiness. It is gaining favor far and wide.

Grown in Spain and southern France for centuries, Mourvèdre is experiencing renewed popularity in France, but sadly is starting to lose ground in Spain, where it competes with traditional grapes like Tempranillo and Garnacha, and international varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah. But thanks to the Rhone Ranger movement in the United States, its future looks bright in California.

0.26%

Total Vineyard/Winegrape Plantings in California
488 Acres

Bearing and Non-bearing Acreage in California

0.26%

Total Vineyard/Winegrape Plantings in California
1,207 Hectares

Bearing and Non-bearing Acreage in California

(Year end 2021)

Signature Styles & Characteristics

Although any grape can be interpreted in innovative and at times, outlying styles, the below chart/graphic represents the preponderance of what you will find California winemakers producing.

Dryness/Residual Sugar

Mourvèdre: 100 percent on a scale from Dry to of Dryness/Residual Sugar.
Acid (potential)

Mourvèdre: 80 percent on a scale from Low to High of Acid (potential).
Alcohol (potential)

Mourvèdre: 80 percent on a scale from Low to High of Alcohol (potential).
Body (weight on palate)

Mourvèdre: 100 percent on a scale from Light to Full of Body (weight on palate).
Texture

Mourvèdre: 100 percent on a scale from Gritty and Astringent to Round and Smooth of Texture.
Tannin

Mourvèdre: 85 percent on a scale from Low to High of Tannin.

Aromas/Flavors

Fruit

Blueberry, blackberry, plum (red/black), raspberry, black raspberry, red/black cherry, black fig, date, prune, red/black currant
Herbal / Vegetable

Green peppercorn, black pepper, basil, cilantro, fennel seed, tarragon, licorice (red/black), rosemary, garrigue
Floral

Violet, rose, herbal flowers (thyme, rosemary, etc.)
Earth

Stone, mineral, mushroom, gravel
Wood

Cinnamon, clove, dark chocolate, cacao, vanilla, gingersnap, coffee, smoke
Other

Meaty/gamey, farmyard, leather