Are you familiar with the Mourvèdre? If you are passionate about wines or simply curious to explore this emblematic Mediterranean grape variety, you are in the right place!
Originally from Spain and known for its ability to produce powerful red wines and tannic, the variety is now also well established in several southern French regions.
So, ready to learn everything about Mourvèdre? Discover through this article the history of this fabulous variety, its characteristics, and the best food and wine pairings to make with it.Happy discovery !
History and origins of the Mourvèdre grape variety
Also known as Monastrell in Spain or Mataró in Catalonia (as well as in Australia and California), the Mourvèdre is one of the historical grape varieties of the Mediterranean basin. Our variety is believed to have its roots in the region of Valencia, more precisely around the town of Murviedro, now called Sagunto.
Over the centuries, the Mourvèdre gradually crossed borders to settle in the south of France. Some historians even suggest that it was introduced there by the Romans.
After several centuries of good development and acclimatization under this warm Mediterranean climate, the phylloxera crisis, at the end of the 19th century, nevertheless dealt a significant blow to Mourvèdre. Unfortunately imported from the United States, this devastating aphid indeed attacked all the vineyards of Europe, and many grape varieties were severely impacted.
Fortunately, from the 1950s, several passionate winemakers decided to replant Mourvèdre to restore its former glory. This was notably the case within the AOC Bandol which is, still to this day, a very important terroir for the grape variety.
Today, it has more than 60,000 hectares planted worldwide, including 9,000 in France. Spain remains the country where the variety is most prevalent, with 50 000 hectares of vineyards. Australia, with nearly 1 000 hectares, is also a significant producer.
Phylloxera: a harmful aphid for European vines
Where is Mourvèdre cultivated?
As mentioned, Mourvèdre loves heat and sunlight. It is therefore cultivated in regions with a hot and dry climate, conducive to its late maturation.In France, it is mainly found within three major wine regions: Provence, the Rhône Valley, and Languedoc-Roussillon. In Provence, its estimated area is 4,200 hectares, mostly concentrated in the AOC Bandol, where it represents a very significant part of the blends (minimum 50%). It is probably here that it reaches its best expression within the French vineyard. Finally, Mourvèdre is also present in small quantities in other appellations such as Côtes-de-Provence, Coteaux Varois, or Palette. With 3,000 hectares, the variety has also developed well in the Languedoc-Roussillon vineyard.It is used within several AOCs such as Corbières, Faugères, Saint-Chinian, and Minervois.
In the south of the Rhône Valley, Mourvèdre covers about 600 hectares, particularly within appellations like Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas, and Vacqueyras, where it complements Syrah and Grenache.
In Spain, Mourvèdre thrives in the hot and arid regions of the southeast, mainly in areas covered by the DO Jumilla, Yecla, and Alicante appellations. It is also found in Catalonia within the DOQ Priorat.
Internationally, the Californian climate suits it very well, just like in Australia where it thrives perfectly, as in the Barossa Valley or McLaren Vale.
Mourvèdre: a grape variety that loves the sun
The characteristics of the Mourvèdre grape variety
Mourvèdre is a demanding and late-ripening grape variety. It is distinguished by its compact clusters and thick-skinned berries of a bluish-black color, covered with bloom.
This variety is also particularly sensitive to climatic conditions.Adapted to hot climates, Mourvèdre requires a slow maturation and its harvest generally does not begin until the end of September, sometimes even in October.
Although it is not very sensitive to gray rot, Mourvèdre is vulnerable to mites, water stress, and sour rot, factors that can be catastrophic for this delicate plant.
From an aromatic perspective, Mourvèdre offers tasting ripe notes of black fruits (plum, blackberry, blackcurrant) enhanced with spicy touches like black pepper, as well as animal nuances and truffle. Over time, wines made from Mourvèdre develop complex aromas like leather and undergrowth.
In their youth, Mourvèdre wines can sometimes seem austere because they are very tannic and powerful. However, the variety rewards the patience of enthusiasts by revealing aromatic richness for those who know how to wait. Mourvèdre wines are indeed great age-worthy wines !
What to eat with a Mourvèdre wine?
You have a bottle of Mourvèdre on hand and you're wondering what dish to serve to enhance this powerful and complex grape variety? Don't worry, here are some gourmet ideas that will do justice to its unique flavors.
Red meats and dishes in sauce
The Mourvèdre pairs wonderfully with grilled or roasted red meats. Whether it's a rib of beef, duck breast or lamb chops with rosemary, the wine's meaty and spicy notes will enhance the rich flavors of these dishes.
For those who enjoy slow-cooked dishes, nothing beats a Provençal stew or a wild boar stew, iconic dishes that find a perfect ally in Mourvèdre. Its game and undergrowth aromas complement beautifully the tender textures and creamy sauces of these traditional recipes.
Finally, for an even bolder pairing, try a truffle risotto or pasta with black truffles.Aromatic symphony in perspective !
Mourvèdre and Provençal stew: a rich alliance of flavors!
Exotic and spicy cuisine
For lovers of exotic cuisine, Mourvèdre can also be an excellent choice. Its spicy and smoky aromas indeed pair very well with dishes featuring oriental flavors.
A lamb tagine with spices or a royal couscous enriched with smoked meat will then bring out the spicy and warm character of the wine.
Provençal cuisine and Mourvèdre rosés
Mourvèdre is not limited to just tannic reds ! The rosés made from this grape variety, particularly in the Bandol region, reveal a vibrant delight and an aromatic palette that calls for sunny dishes of Provençal cuisine.
Thus, serve a Mourvèdre rosé with a pissaladière or a tapenade for a typical starter, or pair it with saffron shrimp, or even grilled red mullet for a complete Mediterranean experience.Sea urchins and cod brandade will also be excellent companions for this type of rosé!
Finally, a Mourvèdre rosé will obviously pair perfectly with a charcuterie platter (coppa, sausage, cured ham). A timeless classic !
To ideally reveal the aromatic nuances specific to each Mourvèdre wine, it is recommended to serve red wines from this grape variety at around 16-18°C as well as rosés between 8-10°C.
With all these suggestions, you are now ready to fully enjoy this unique grape variety !
The best wines from the Mourvèdre grape variety
Among the best wines from the Mourvèdre grape variety, Domaine Tempier is an essential reference. Located in Bandol, this family estate produces powerful red wines, where Mourvèdre shines with its aromas of black fruits, pepper, and spices.
The cuvées like La Tourtine and La Migoua are examples of great single-vineyard wines that are both rich and complex, capable of aging with incredible elegance.
The rosé from the estate is also a particularly successful must-try that we recommend!
So, convinced by the Mourvèdre? If you wish to explore this fascinating grape variety, be sure to visit our website
