Mourvedre
A dark, savory, gamey Mediterranean red that gives Rhône blends their backbone. Also called Mataro, it has old-vine plantings in California's Contra Costa County and a home in Paso Robles.
Mourvèdre (Monastrell in Spain, Mataro in older California vineyards) is a late-ripening Mediterranean red that needs lots of heat and sun. It's the M in the GSM blend, where it adds structure, color and savory depth to Grenache and Syrah. It's also the star of Bandol in Provence, which makes some of France's finest rosés.
What It Tastes Like
Mourvèdre is dark and savory, with blackberry and plum, black pepper, leather, game, earth and dried herbs. Tannins are firm, so it ages well. Single-variety versions are intense, and in blends it brings backbone.
Where It Grows
California has some of the oldest Mourvèdre vines in the world, dry-farmed and planted over a century ago in Contra Costa County. Paso Robles, Santa Barbara County, the Sierra Foothills and Lodi grow it widely. Washington, Texas and Virginia have smaller plantings.
What to Look For
- GSM blends from Paso Robles.
- Old-vine Mourvèdre or Mataro.
- Mourvèdre rosé in the Bandol style.
Where to Find Mourvedre
Wine regions on American Winery Guide where Mourvedre is grown or poured: