Mourvèdre

Mourvèdre is a Spanish red grape known in its home country as Monastrell, which is widely grown in the South of France.

MOURVÈDRE: Robust mediterranean hot climate grape variety widely grown in the southern Rhone region of France and mainly used to introduce color and body to the red wine blends. Normally ripens in mid-October, ie. a week or so after Carignan.

At one time, Provence's most important grape - now Spain's second most important grape - Mourvèdre, is experiencing resurgence around the world. Known as Mataro in the New World, Mourvèdre is also being produced in California.

An attractive Rhone-style offering from a winery much better known for its Zinfandels, this sturdy red is labeled Syrah with 87 percent of the predominant grape, but adds a little complexity thanks to 9 percent Grenache and 4 percent Mourvèdre.

It's most famous for its red wines that are full-bodied and made from the mourvèdre grape. This robust wine has aromas and flavors of spice and black fruit that marry well with beef and other hearty meat dishes.

See also: Grape, Wine, Grenache, Red, Region