Mourvedre is a dark-skinned grape variety from Spain often used in blends to provide color and structure. It produces tannic wines that can be high in alcohol, and is often used in Châteauneuf-du-Pape blends. In terms of flavor, Mourvedre brings notes of dark fruit, leather, game, and sometimes a clove-like spiciness. The grape is often grown in warm climates, including parts of Spain, France, and California, where it can ripen fully and display its full character.
The wines produced from Mourvedre are often powerful and full-bodied, and may need several years of aging to mellow and soften their robust tannins. Apart from being used in blends, it can also make interesting single-varietal wines. In Spain, where it is known as Monastrell, it is used to make both red and rosé wines. In France, apart from being a part of GSM (Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre) blends in Southern Rhône, it is also the primary grape in the red wines of Bandol, Provence.
