Mourvèdre

Another orphaned Spanish grape with no parentage, although through DNA evidence could be a possible sibling to Graciano.  Is there a way to make a connection without DNA?  Could you be able to tell from its descriptors or structure if they are related?  This is when the efforts of a Connoisseur become both challenging and rewarding.

Region

Originating in the Mediterranean Coast of Spain, possibly by Phoenician traders this grape with 63,000+ planted hectares calls Spain its home, and with a vacation spot in France of 9,200+ planted hectares Mourvèdre, also known as Mataró in new world regions or Monastrell in Spain, is not a recent favorite that will be gone tomorrow it is a prominent varietal used by prominent growers and makers worldwide for their creative productions.

Pairing

As an option for a Cabernet Sauvignon drinker the Mourvèdre will allow you to retain your menu while giving your taste buds some new experiences.  You may continue to order spicy dishes that compliment the floral characteristics or beef, pork shoulder, barbeque, sausage, rabbit, veal or lamb dishes which have plenty of umami and rich foods that can absorb the tannins.

Connoisseur Components

This is a thick-skinned, late-budding, late-ripening grape that is susceptible to drought yet resistant to Botrytis/Bunch Rot.  Yet, who does not resist a bunch of rotten surroundings while working toward their purpose in life which in the case of Mourvèdre is to be pleasing to the palate.

Remembering Your Mourvèdre Experience

Expanding your wine experience is why we encourage becoming a Connoisseur and as you begin to understand and remember the characteristics between varietals and vintages you also begin to appreciate the subtle differences between the Cabernet and the Mourvèdre.  Knowing how to grow, produce and consume a wine fills you more than once.  Have you ever walked through a historic place absorbing the history and thinking about who might have been there before?  Wine is a similar experience if you let your mind connect the regions of the world with the bottle you are drinking, for Mourvèdre think about Spain’s comeback wine region of Jumilla which is in the Altiplano of the Murcia Region and is famous for its Monestrell grape.

Where to Go Next

Why don’t we head over to Jumilla and learn more about how this region restored itself as one of Spain’s prominent Wine Trial stops.