Monastrell (aka Mataro, Mourvedre)
Monastrell (known as Mourvèdre in France and Mataro in Spain) is a
slow-ripening variety that develops tight bunches of grapes that need good
ventilation to avoid rot. It seems to do best in windy climates like Southern
France, in parts of Spain and Algeria, and in Australia, where it is known as
Mataro.
Wine makers use Mourvédre frequently in blends to boost color and tannin, but often bemoan its absence of distinct flavors. It has a common partner in Syrah (Shiraz) for blending, as well as the international grape, Merlot.
Beginning in the early 1980s, several Australian wineries have popularized various blends of Grenache, Shiraz, and Mataro as "GSM" wines. Unblended Mourvèdre wines tend to be deep-colored, quite tannic, somewhat alcoholic, and have generally "spicy" and sometimes, "gamey" aromas in their youth.
Wine makers use Mourvédre frequently in blends to boost color and tannin, but often bemoan its absence of distinct flavors. It has a common partner in Syrah (Shiraz) for blending, as well as the international grape, Merlot.
Beginning in the early 1980s, several Australian wineries have popularized various blends of Grenache, Shiraz, and Mataro as "GSM" wines. Unblended Mourvèdre wines tend to be deep-colored, quite tannic, somewhat alcoholic, and have generally "spicy" and sometimes, "gamey" aromas in their youth.