Mourvèdre: The Bold Red Wine You Should Be Drinking
Mourvèdre (pronounced moor-VEHD in the U.S. and more-VEH-druh in parts of France and the U.K.) is one of the wine world’s best-kept secrets. Often overshadowed by more mainstream reds like Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, this deep, savory grape has a fascinating history, a devoted following, and the kind of complexity that makes sommeliers swoon. If you’ve never tried Mourvèdre—or didn’t realize you have—it’s time to change that.
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A Brief History
Mourvèdre has ancient roots, likely originating in Spain, where it’s known as Monastrell. The grape spread across the Mediterranean, gaining popularity in southern France, particularly in Provence and the Rhône Valley, where it took on the name Mourvèdre. Today, it plays a starring role in Bandol, a coastal appellation in Provence that produces some of the most age-worthy and structured examples of the variety.
The grape also thrives in Spain’s Jumilla and Yecla regions, where it shows off a riper, fruit-forward character. Thanks to warm climates and old vines, Monastrell wines from these regions are bold, juicy, and remarkably affordable.
Mourvèdre made its way to California in the 19th century and has found a devoted fan base among New World winemakers—especially those passionate about Rhône-style wines. In California, you might find it labeled Mourvèdre, Monastrell, or even Mataro (a historic synonym used in Australia and parts of the U.S.).
Where It Grows Best
This grape loves sunshine and heat. It needs a long growing season to fully ripen, which is why it thrives in warm, dry climates:
- Southern France (Bandol, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Languedoc-Roussillon)
- Spain (Jumilla, Yecla, Alicante)
- California (Paso Robles, Arroyo Seco, Contra Costa, Napa Valley)
- Australia (Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale)
When grown in the right conditions, Mourvèdre produces wines with dark fruit, earthy spice, black pepper, leather, and gamey notes—flavors that only get better with time in the bottle.
Why You Should Be Drinking It
If you love a wine with depth and personality, Mourvèdre is your next obsession. Here’s why:
- It’s complex and food-friendly. This red offers a rare combination of rich fruit, savory earthiness, and firm tannins—ideal for pairing with everything from grilled meats and hearty stews to wild mushrooms and aged cheeses.
- It ages beautifully. Though brooding and intense in its youth, it blossoms with time. Cellar a few bottles, and you’ll be rewarded with elegance and nuance.
- It’s a Rhône star. As one of the three key grapes in the famed GSM blend (Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre), it brings structure, smoke, and undeniable soul to the glass.
- It’s still under the radar. While Cabernet and Pinot dominate wine lists, this variety is a conversation-starter. You won’t find it everywhere, but when you do, it’s often crafted by winemakers who treat it with care and intention.
How to Enjoy Mourvèdre
- Serve it slightly cool. This wine can be powerful, so serving it at around 60–65°F helps highlight its structure and freshness.
- Give it air. Decanting young Mourvèdre (especially single-varietal bottlings) lets it open up and show its layers.
- Pair with bold flavors. Think lamb, short ribs, BBQ, roasted mushrooms, duck confit, or even Moroccan-spiced dishes.
- Try it in blends and on its own. Mourvèdre adds backbone to blends, but solo bottlings let its wild charm take center stage.
Wine & Food Pairing Guide
Mourvèdre is a food lover’s dream. Its bold tannins, earthy spice, and dark fruit flavors make it incredibly versatile at the table. Whether you’re cooking a casual weeknight meal or planning a slow-cooked feast, here’s how to bring out the best in this underrated red:
Best Meat Pairings:
- Lamb chops with rosemary and garlic (Here’s a great recipe from Nancy Fuller of The Food Network)
- Braised short ribs or oxtail stew
- Smoky BBQ brisket or pulled pork
- Venison or wild boar
- Duck confit
Vegetarian Pairings:
- Mushroom risotto with thyme and parmesan
- Grilled portobello mushrooms
- Ratatouille or roasted eggplant
- Lentil and walnut loaf with savory herbs
Cheese Pairings:
- Aged Manchego
- Comté or Gruyère
- Taleggio
- Smoked gouda
Spice & Sauce Companions:
- Black pepper and paprika (naturally complements Mourvèdre’s spice)
- Tapenade, olive-based sauces, or tomato ragù
- Moroccan tagine spices (cinnamon, cumin, coriander)
Pro Tip: Mourvèdre loves slow-cooked flavors. Think rustic, hearty, and herb-forward dishes.
At McKahn Wines, we source this bold red from Landa Vineyards in Sonoma, a site known for its expressive Rhône-style varietals. The vines are planted on the upper hillsides, where warm, sun-drenched slopes and a gradual elevation shift create optimal ripening conditions. The result? A wine that’s structured, soulful, and full of character.
If you’re curious to try something new, this under-the-radar red is more than worth exploring.