I thought I would have a little fun with this segment and talk about specific grapes used to make wine. One of the things I think makes wine mysterious is the grapes that are used to make it. Let’s face it, most of us stop at Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Pinot Grigio (Gris), Pinot Noir, Riesling, Syrah and Zinfandel. After that, most of us don’t have the time to worry about all the other varieties used to make wine. There are literally hundreds of other grapes used to make wine in blends or as single varietals. When a consumer reads the label and sees Mourvedre or Monastrell on the label, they are often in the dark about what they are buying.
Mourvedre is the name of the grape used in many wines around the world. In Spain it is called Monastrell and is most likely the origin of the varietal. It is also grown in France and is a big part of Cotes-du-Rhone, Chateauneuf-du-Pape and the reds of Bandol in Provence. It is seen more and more as a single varietal in both Washington State and California. So, what should you expect when you buy a Mourvedre or in the Spanish version…Monastrell?
Mourvedre is one of my favorites both as a blending grape and single varietal. It is a grape that has both depth and complexity. Dark in color, it exhibits flavors of black and blue fruits, purple flowers, minerality and cured meats. It often will show notes of cinnamon and coffee bean with a touch of earthiness, herbs and tobacco. In the “New World” form it is close to jammy, but has enough tannins and structure to keep it in check. If you like big wines, you will love it. At the same time, if you are a Cabernet Sauvignon lover, you will more than likely enjoy Mourvedre.
In its “Old World” form, it has a depth of both fruit and minerals, with a leather, herb and earth component that is consistent producer to producer. The muscle grape of Bandol and Chateauneuf-du-Pape, it is the key ingredient in wines that will age for decades. With age, it develops into a wine with depth and personality. Out of Bandol it is quite approachable after about 6-7 years of age. Drunk young, you get a ton of earth, herbal, tobacco and mushroom notes. This is something I enjoy from time to time, and highlights the interesting qualities of this varietal.
Called Monastrell in Spain, you can get your hands on a bottle of this juice for a prayer. You can find a ton of them from the region Jumilla in south-western Spain. I would suggest you pick up a bottle of Monastrell from Spain if you want to get your feet wet with this varietal. If you want to spend a little more and get one of the more powerful versions of this grape varietal, look for Bodegas El Nido “Clio” red. This wine holds nothing back, and is not for the weak of heart. Big and bold it shows the structure and power of this amazing grape.
The next time you see Mourvedre, Monastrell or Bandol on the label, don’t hesitate to give it a try. There’s nothing mysterious about it, it’s just a really good red.
Cheers!
Stan The Wine Man
