Mourvèdre, Mataró, or Monastrell is variety of wine grape used to make both strong, dark red wines and rosés. It is an international variety grown in many regions around the world including Spain, Portugal, Provence France, and California. The variety was probably introduced to Catalonia by the Phoenicians in around 500 BCE, and arrived in France sometime after the 16th century. It then spread eastward towards the Rhone and later arrived in California in the 1860's.
The variety was one of the first to be used in Southern California, the original wine center of the state. Some vineyards near Ontario, California, date back to the turn of the 20th century. Mourvèdre varietals are made in the Cucamonga Valley, near Lodi and in Santa Rosa. It is produced and bottled by boutique vineyards and wineries found in Vallecito and Murphys in Calaveras County, located in the Sierra Foothills of California. It is also grown on Red Mountain and in Horse Heaven Hills, in Washington State, and bottled by several wineries. Some of the best comes from Paso Robles in the heart of the Rhone growing region.
Mourvédre is a very late variety in both bud break and ripening season with medium-sized berries blue-black in color and thick skins.


Mourvèdre produces tannic wines that can be high in alcohol, and is successful in Rhone-style blends. It has a particular affinity for Grenache, softening it and giving it structure. Its taste varies greatly according to area, but often has wild, spicy, gamey or earthy flavors including clove, cinnamon, pepper, and soft red fruit flavors.



Pairs well with lamb and other game meat dishes, hearty country food such as turkey dinners, pork roasts and vegetables.