Mourvèdre

Mourvèdre photos, charts, maps, and wines.

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Mourvèdre (aka. Mataro)

Mourvedre is a hot-climate variety that buds and ripens late, making it desirable in areas prone to late spring frosts. Very thick-skinned and resistant to fungal diseases and rot, Mourvedre has been planted read more...in Californian and Australian vineyards, under the name of Mataro. In the Golden State, most old plantings exist in Contra Costa County. Its more modest yields may have caused the grape to drop in popularity over the years while other Mediterranean varieties, like Carignane, were favored because they supplied greater tonnage.

Mourvedre’s better qualities shape the meaty wines it produces, with considerable tannin, deep color, jammy blackberry characteristics, and frequently a herbal, almost sage-like characteristic that the French refer to as “animale”. However, recognition of Mourvedre's merits has been slower to emerge in the New World. Even so, devout Rhône specialists, like Cline, Bonny Doon (Old Telegram), Qupe and Rosenblum, are leading the now trendy Rhône varietal craze.

In southern France, the importance of Mourvedre is becoming better understood and acreage is rising. Widely believed to have originated in Spain’s Levante regions, the grape has had four centuries of more common use in France’s Mediterranean vineyards. All along this coast, its appealing traits have made it an important bulking-up grape for blending purposes, in wines dominated by the more translucent Grenache.

You're a brawny red brute. They know you as Mourvedre in the vinous wrestling rings of southern France. In that circus of appellations you step into the ring with an ensemble known as the All-A.O.C Bunch, although next to you, most of this competition is rather feeble. To be sure, you deliver colorful performances, with a rough and rustic edge, leading the thirsty crowds to chant <i>"Animale, Animale, Animale"</i>. For the American circuit a more macho name was required. Over here you became the Mighty Mataro! Initially popular in the crushing rings of Southern Cal's Cucamonga, your popularity eventually waned. It's a good thing that you're thick-skinned. You rolled with the punches and are now making a comeback in the Bay Area, thanks to a group of promoters known as the <i>'Rhone Rangers'</i>.    (hide)

AleksandrY reviewed Domaine Tempier Bandol Rose 2005:

November 2009

AleksandrY

Domaine Tempier Bandol Rose 2005

Starting at $16^.41 Snoothrank: 3.5/5

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nutmegspice reviewed Cline Mourvedre Rose:

November 2009

nutmegspice

This has to be my favorite Rose ever. I'm no afficianado, but love the flavor and the dryness. Most rose's are way too sweet for me. Cheers Cline!

Cline Mourvedre Rose

Starting at $9^.99 Snoothrank: 3/5

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rjyoung3 reviewed Langmeil 'Three Gardens' Shiraz Grenache Mourvedre 2004:

November 2009

rjyoung3

Mildly aromatic but well balanced, low acidity with a moderate buttery finish. Dark cherry flavor with a hint of spice. Good value @ $27 CDN.

Langmeil 'Three Gardens' Shiraz Grenache Mourvedre 2004

Starting at $19^.57 Snoothrank: 3/5

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VegasOenophile reviewed Tardieu-Laurent Cote du Rhone Villages Les Becs Fins 2007:

November 2009

VegasOenophile

Bright, jammy fruit with great balance. I very much enjoyed this wine. Actually more so than the Chateuneuf Du Pape we tasted today. -Tasted at Marché Bacchus 11/14/09

Tardieu-Laurent Cote du Rhone Villages Les Becs Fins 2007

Snoothrank: 3.5/5

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rob198 reviewed Penfolds Bin 2 Shiraz-Mourvedre 2007:

November 2009

rob198

It's good... Exactly as expected... Benefited from a brief stint in the decanter. Typically fruit forward, a little jam and some chocolate and spice. Great everyday wine. My rating: 86/100 For the money: 90/100

Penfolds Bin 2 Shiraz-Mourvedre 2007

Starting at $12^.59 Snoothrank: 3/5

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atonalprime reviewed Mahler-Besse Monastrell Jumilla Taja 2006:

November 2009

atonalprime

Velvety smooth and full of soft cherries. Long-lasting finish of stone fruit and berries.

Mahler-Besse Monastrell Jumilla Taja 2006

Starting at $10^.68 Snoothrank: 3.5/5

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nputens reviewed Quivira Vineyards 'Steelhead Red' 2004:

November 2009

nputens

Grenache, Zin, Mourvedre, Syrah - Bright, tart, lots of flavor, sparkles in the mouth. Too good.

Quivira Vineyards 'Steelhead Red' 2004

Starting at $17^.00 Snoothrank: 3.5/5

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sscalet reviewed Bodegas Juan Gil Jumilla 2006:

November 2009

sscalet

Bodegas Juan Gil Jumilla 2006

Starting at $11^.66 Snoothrank: 3.5/5

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micahdogg88 reviewed D'Arenberg Sth Australia Stumpjump Shiraz/Grenache/Mourvedre 2006:

November 2009

micahdogg88

D'Arenberg Sth Australia Stumpjump Shiraz/Grenache/Mourvedre 2006

Starting at $10^.54 Snoothrank: 3/5

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sanabavy wrote in the forum topic: Celebratory bottle suggestions, please...

November 2009

sanabavy

Thank you! I'm in NYC, so options are not a problem, obviously :) Lately I ... and wines from Bandol (Mourvedre, I guess). I'm a sucker for a good CDP also, and just recently grabbed a tasty 2007 for the cellar....

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