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)

donccpa reviewed Chateau de Pibarnon Bandol Rouge 2005:

November 2009

donccpa

A hidden jem. I thank my wine retailer for finding and selling this wine. From Provence. The finish to this wine is quite good, maybe the best I've tasted.

Chateau de Pibarnon Bandol Rouge 2005

Starting at $24^.07 Snoothrank: 4/5

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Joe102 reviewed Bodegas Castano Solanera 2005:

November 2009

Joe102

cheap, but good

Bodegas Castano Solanera 2005

Starting at $13^.50 Snoothrank: 3.5/5

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mrkler reviewed The Wolftrap Syrah Mourvedre Viognier Boekenhoutskloop 2008:

November 2009

mrkler

I consider this wine to be a work in progress.The nose is a wrestling match,with dark fruit pinned to the mat by strong earthy mineral aromas.The palate experience displays dark unripe smokey fruit that is chaperone by...

The Wolftrap Syrah Mourvedre Viognier Boekenhoutskloop 2008

Starting at $12^.65 Snoothrank: 3.5/5

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Nick75 reviewed Robert Hall Syrah Shiraz Paso Robles 2005:

November 2009

Nick75

Robert Hall Syrah Shiraz Paso Robles 2005

Starting at $18^.00 Snoothrank: 3.5/5

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jweaving reviewed John Duval Plexus 2006:

November 2009

jweaving

John Duval Plexus 2006

Starting at $29^.99 Snoothrank: 4/5

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Chad Upjohn reviewed Finca Luzon Jumilla Altos de Luzon 2001:

October 2009

Chad Upjohn

Finca Luzon Jumilla Altos de Luzon 2001

Starting at $16^.99 Snoothrank: 4/5

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kevinschmidtbiz reviewed Domaine Andre Brunel Cotes du Rhone Cuvee Sommelongue 2006:

October 2009

kevinschmidtbiz

Domaine Andre Brunel Cotes du Rhone Cuvee Sommelongue 2006

Starting at $16^.25 Snoothrank: 3.5/5

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schwabo reviewed Domaine de la Vivonne Bandol les Puechs 2005:

October 2009

schwabo

Domaine de la Vivonne Bandol les Puechs 2005

Snoothrank: 3/5

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jjknight38 reviewed Tablas Creek Cotes de Tablas 2006:

October 2009

jjknight38

Tablas Creek Cotes de Tablas 2006

Starting at $19^.99 Snoothrank: 3.5/5

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bokao reviewed J. Runquist R Paso Robles Syrah Syrah Mourvedre & Rhone-Style Reds California 2002:

October 2009

bokao

J. Runquist R Paso Robles Syrah Syrah Mourvedre & Rhone-Style Reds California 2002

Starting at $45^.00 Snoothrank: 3.5/5

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