What the Hell is Monastrell?

I've done very well with Juan Gil's 100% Monastrell from Jumilla. I think what I look for is a briary, savory flavor with the tannins upfront but under control--they can easily become gritty. The herby rasp and the "sauvage" quality are givens, but it's that runaway meatiness that, to me, defines the grape when it's at the top of the blend or on its own. For Snoothers in the LA area, JonDerry and I are trying to put together an international Mourvedre/Monastrell tasting next year, with bottles from $20 up to some classic Bandols. Keep your eyes open in the Forums, shortly before Presidents Day weekend.

Oct 30, 2012 at 4:18 PM

I have been drinking a lot of Spanish wines primarily or partially mourvedre (term I use) and there is a huge variety. Some are thin but with pleasant fruit, some are thin and insipid, some are raw, and a helluva lot are interesting changes of pace. Some very cheap (under 10USD) are enjoyable. The variety of flavors present is amazing. Some south of france wines are heavy on mourvedre, and here in California there are a few (Opolo a few years back had some lovely Mourvedre, tho of late Opolo wines have gotten a bit soft). I am trying new indigenous wines from Spain, Italy and Portugal and am generally enjoying them.

Oct 30, 2012 at 6:53 PM

Donkey and Goat, Graff Family, and Halcon are in the mourvedre game in California, to name a few. We'll feature some of those in our tasting, whenever it happens.

Oct 30, 2012 at 7:05 PM

I love Mourvedre/Monestrell when it is done well. Its blend of fruit notes and earthiness can be wonderful. For several years Lzon made a delightful Monestrell at a relly low price point. Cline's ld Vine Mourvedre is usually very nice. You can spend a lot of money on Bandol wines and fine some excellent ones. But if you can find varietal Mourvedre from the West Coast, you often find is best expression, but expnsive. So te Spanish Monestrells oftenrepresent very nice wines at value price point. But I love this under-appreciated grape!

Oct 30, 2012 at 9:02 PM

Gregory,

Mazuelo is not the same grape as Monastrell, as far as I know. It is actually Carignan.
Oxford Companion entry: Mazuelo
official Spanish name for carignan. Also known as Mazuela in rioja.

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