Grape variety Mourvèdre / Monastrell

Mourvèdre is a red grape variety that is mainly grown in the south of France and Spain, where it is known as Monastrell. The wines are deep-coloured, medium to full-bodied, with high, often rough tannins when young and moderate to high acidity. Mourvèdre wines typically show aromas of dark fruits such as blackberries or blackcurrants, complemented by notes of spices and leather. The grape is often used as a structuring component in cuvees - such as the famous Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Its powerful stature makes it suitable as an accompaniment to food. The wines can be enjoyed when young and are usually fruity, developing a deeper flavour with animal notes as they mature.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about Mourvèdre / Monastrell wine

How can the flavour profile of the Mourvèdre / Monastrell grape variety be described?

The Mourvèdre / Monastrell grape variety is known for its robust, dark and profound character. It is not a flatterer, but often displays a fascinating "wildness". In the mouth, it is fleshy and powerful with an impressive concentration.

What typical flavours can we find in the Mourvèdre / Monastrell grape variety?

The nose is dominated by dark fruits such as blackberry and blueberry. However, what makes the Mourvèdre / Monastrell grape variety unique are its spicy and tertiary notes: Game meat, leather, black pepper, truffle and the scents of the Mediterranean herb world (garrigue).

What is the structure of tannin and acidity in the Mourvèdre / Monastrell grape variety?

This variety is a real tannin giant. The Mourvèdre / Monastrell grape variety has a very high level of tannin, which gives the wine an enormous structure. The acidity is usually moderate, which makes the wine appear compact and dense despite its strength.

Where does the Mourvèdre / Monastrell grape variety originally come from?

The cradle of the grape variety is most likely in Spain, probably in the region around Valencia. It has been cultivated there for centuries under the name Monastrell before finding its way to France (Provence/Rhône).

In which wine regions does the Mourvèdre / Monastrell grape variety grow best?

In France, the Bandol appellation in Provence is the absolute Mecca for single-varietal or dominant Mourvèdre wines. In Spain, Monastrell shines above all in the hot regions of Jumilla, Yecla and Alicante. There are also exciting stocks in Australia and California (where it is often referred to as Mataro).

Which dishes harmonise perfectly with the Mourvèdre / Monastrell grape variety?

Due to its wild, spicy nature, the Mourvèdre / Monastrell grape variety requires strong partners. Game dishes (venison or wild boar), braised lamb shank with rosemary or a classic grilled beef steak are ideal. Smoky flavours from the BBQ are also an excellent match.

What is the difference between French Mourvèdre and Spanish Monastrell?

Although they are the same grape, the terroir makes for differences. French Mourvèdre (often from Bandol) is often more structured, earthy and "austere". The Spanish Monastrell (e.g. from Jumilla) is often more fruity and full-bodied due to the intense sunshine and often has a slightly higher alcohol content.

What role does the Mourvèdre / Monastrell grape variety play in the famous GSM cuvée?

In the classic blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre, the Mourvèdre / Monastrell grape variety takes on the role of scaffolder. While Grenache provides body and fruit and Syrah brings spice, Mourvèdre provides the dark colour, the necessary tannin for ageing and the long finish.

Discover more grape varieties for red wines.

Grenache

Grenache is a red grape variety grown mainly in southern France and Spain (where it is known as Garnacha). The wines are typically medium to full-bodied, with low tannins and high acidity.

Syrah

The French Rhone Valley is the home of Syrah, a red grape variety that can also be found in the USA and especially in Australia, where it is usually known as Shiraz. The two names are as different as the respective styles with which the genetically identical grape varieties are vinified.

Montepulciano

Montepulciano is a red grape variety that is mainly grown in central Italy. Its wines are full-bodied, rich in extract, with strong alcohol and moderate acidity. They typically show flavours of dark fruits such as plums and cherries, often complemented by spicy or tobacco notes.

Saperavi

Saperavi means "dyer" - and it is indeed one of the few red wine varieties whose skin and flesh are coloured. This explains the almost inky black colour and the intense personality of its wines.

Sangiovese

Sangiovese is one of Italy's best-known red grape varieties and is mainly grown in Tuscany. The wines are known for their not too angular tannins, their strong acidity and their fruity, spicy flavour. Sangiovese wines typically show notes of cherries, red berries, leather and spices.

Regent

Regent is a new red variety from Germany. It was developed in the late 1960s, primarily with the aim of creating a high-yielding and disease-resistant red variety - and it was quite successful.

Airén

The Spanish grape variety Airén is one of the most widely cultivated white grapes in the world. It is particularly adaptable and resistant to drought, robust against most vine diseases and is considered to be high-yielding even on poor soils.

Catarratto

Catarratto is an indigenous white grape from Sicily, Italy. It is one of the most widely cultivated grapes there. Catarratto wines are generally fresh and fruity, with a medium body and good acidity. Typical flavours are citrus fruit, green apple and floral notes, often accompanied by a hint of almond and minerality.

Elbling

Elbling is a very old white grape variety with a long history that is mainly cultivated in Germany, particularly along the upper Moselle. The wines are light, fresh and sparkling, with a strong, marked acidity and low alcohol content - which makes Elbling particularly interesting as a base wine for sparkling wines.

Garganega

Garganega is a white grape variety that is mainly grown in the Italian region of Veneto. As little known as the variety is, as famous is the wine made from it: Soave. It is usually light to medium-bodied, with moderate acidity and plenty of finesse. The wines show flavours of citrus fruits, green apples, pears and flowers, complemented by almond and mineral notes that come from the volcanic terroir.

Pedro Ximénez

Hardly any other grape variety is as synonymous with sweet opulence as Pedro Ximénez - the basis for some of Spain's most famous dessert wines. However, it is now also showing another, surprisingly fresh side: as the basis for aromatic, dry white wines with a Mediterranean flavour.

Scheurebe

in 1916, the Swiss vine researcher Georg Scheu bred a new variety at the State Institute for Vine Breeding in Alzey, which he initially thought was a cross between Riesling and Silvaner.

You can find information on other grape varieties here.