Mourvèdre is one of our favorite red grapes. It buds and ripens late, produces firm wines that can be high in alcohol, and creates deliciously earthy wines with soft fruit flavors. One of the many glorious grape varietals of the Mediterranean, the grape is extremely popular in the Rhone Valley and Provence regions of France (hello, GSM blends and fruit-forward rosés!), though the grape most likely finds its origins in Spain. Nowadays, California, Washington, Australia, and even South Africa have taken up a love for this exquisite grape, experimenting with various regional blends and varietal wines in their respective terroirs.
The grape goes by a few different names worldwide. The grape we know as Mourvèdre goes by the name Monastrell in Spain and Mataro in Australia. Although the grape can be tricky to grow, due to its love of sunlight, warm weather, and need for sufficient water, the wines that come from this versatile varietal are stunning. We’ve compiled a list of seven of our favorite bottles of Mourvèdre from various terroirs of the world to show just how awesome Mourvèdre-based wines can be.
Domaine Tempier Bandol Rouge 2013
Mourvèdre makes up three-quarters of the assemblage in this world-renowned Provencal red. Grapes are hand-harvested, fermented with natural yeast, and spend two to three weeks vinifying in steel. Malolactic fermentation and aging in oak foudres make this wine a stunningly smooth and powerful red. It’s a Kermit Lynch selection not to be missed. Average price: $46
Barahonda Monastrell 2015
This 100 percent Monastrell bursts with flavors of bright red fruit with a fresh finish. Drink right away and enjoy this easy-drinking wine in its youth! Average price: $12
Cline Cellars Ancient Vines Mourvèdre 2014
Cline’s Mourvèdre grows on vines over 100 years old, giving a layered complexity to every glass poured. The wine is silky and smooth, with dark fruit flavors of ripe plum. Mellow tannins give this full-bodied wine a powerful yet approachable palate. Average price: $22
Château de Pibarnon Bandol Rouge 2015
This Provencal rouge hails from Bandol, one of the most prestigious appellations of the region. Influence from the Mediterranean Sea allows the grapes to ripen beautifully, producing rustic, flavorful wines. Grapes are hand-harvested, fermented with indigenous yeasts, and aged in both new and old French oak. Average price: $49
Dirty & Rowdy California “Familiar” Mourvèdre 2015
This fresh bottle of Mourvèdre presents flavors of dark raspberries with hints of cinnamon and earthy undertones. The grapes are 100 percent whole-cluster fermented, natively fermented, with zero additions. At 12.5 percent alcohol, relatively low for Mourvèdre-based wines, you could chug this bottle all day long. Average price: $30
Ess & See Mataro 2013
This single-vineyard Mataro from McLaren Vale in Australia shows rich flavors of cassis and ripe plum. The wine ages in French oak for 10 months, giving this medium-bodied wine a foresty, spicy finish. Only 100 cases are produced, so snatch a bottle when you can! Average price: $28
Gramercy Cellars L’idiot du Village 2013
Hailing from the Columbia Valley of Washington State, this deep Mourvèdre bursts with aromas of herbs and spices, followed by a palate full of dark fruit, violets, and meaty notes. An interesting example of domestic Mourvèdre that’s perfect with juicy steak. Average price: $45
