Mourvèdre

Originally from Spain, where it is known as Monastrell, Mourvèdre is a late-ripening red grape variety that thrives in warm, sunny climates. In France, it is widely grown in the southern regions, particularly in the Rhône Valley and Provence, where it benefits from long growing seasons. The grape produces deeply coloured wines with high tannins, elevated alcohol, and a robust structure.

Mourvèdre is most commonly used in blends, where it plays a key role alongside Grenache and Syrah, particularly in appellations such as Côtes du Rhône and Châteauneuf-du-Pape. It is also an important component in Provençal wines, including Bandol, where it can dominate the blend. In these contexts, Mourvèdre contributes structure, depth, and savoury complexity, often balancing the fruitiness of Grenache and the aromatics of Syrah.

In terms of style, Mourvèdre wines typically display dark fruit flavours such as blackberry and plum, alongside notes of spice, earth, leather, and game. While historically less fashionable, the grape has seen a resurgence in popularity since the late 20th century, with producers increasingly recognising its potential for producing powerful, age-worthy wines, both in blends and as a single-varietal expression.