The cellar index

WineCollection 24

Mourvèdre & Monastrell

A dark-fruited, savoury grape with warmth, tannin and a Mediterranean character.

Origin & traditionProvence, Spain & beyond

Character & context

Understanding Mourvèdre & Monastrell

Mourvèdre is called Monastrell in Spain and sometimes Mataro elsewhere. It is important in Bandol and many southern blends, while Spanish varietal wines offer another expression. Warm sites help this late-ripening grape develop. The best comparison follows the balance between dense fruit, earthy detail and a firm structural frame.

Further reading: Wine Folly — Mourvèdre

Read related observations