The Mataro
Grape
Known as Mourvèdre in France and Monastrell in Spain, Mataro is a red grape variety that produces tannic, full-bodied wines with flavors of blackberry, plum, and spice, often with a gamey or earthy undertone. It is a key component in GSM (Grenache-Syrah-Mourvèdre) blends, adding structure and aging potential.
Mataro
Grape History
Mataro, also known as Mourvèdre or Monastrell, is a red wine grape variety with a rich history and a unique character that adds depth and complexity to wines. This grape variety is believed to have originated in Spain, where it is known as Monastrell and has been cultivated for centuries. It is also prominent in the Rhône region of France, where it is known as Mourvèdre. Mataro is also grown in other wine regions around the world, including Australia, California, and South Africa.
The history of the Mataro grape can be traced back to ancient times, with records indicating that it was grown in the Mediterranean region as early as the Middle Ages. The grape variety has proven to be versatile and adaptable, thriving in a variety of climates and soil types. Mataro grapes are known for their thick skins, which give wines made from this variety their deep color and rich tannins.
Mataro is often used as a blending grape, adding structure and complexity to wines. It is commonly blended with Grenache and Syrah in the southern Rhône region of France to produce wines such as Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Côtes du Rhône. In Spain, Monastrell is an important grape in regions such as Jumilla and Alicante, where it produces robust, full-bodied wines with dark fruit flavors and earthy undertones. In Australia, Mataro is often blended with Shiraz and Grenache to create bold, spicy wines.
Mataro's future looks promising, as winemakers around the world continue to explore its potential and showcase its distinctive qualities. The grape variety is gaining popularity among wine enthusiasts for its ability to add depth and character to wines. As consumers seek out more unique and terroir-driven wines, Mataro is likely to become increasingly sought after for its bold flavors and aging potential.
Overall, Mataro is a grape variety with a fascinating history and a bright future in the world of wine. Its versatility and distinct character make it a valuable component in blends and a standout varietal on its own. Whether grown in Spain, France, Australia, or elsewhere, Mataro wines offer a unique drinking experience that is sure to delight wine lovers for years to come.
Introduction
Hello, my name is Franklin Laurel - Welcome!
I started drinking wine in 1992 when I was in my early twenties and recently married. Like many other young Southern Californians, it started out with White Zinfandel. As we were a couple of young DINKs just beginning life together, and on a budget, our go-to-wine was Sutter Home White Zinfandel, which tasted a lot like wine coolers and probably cost at the time $2.49. If we really were going to splurge, we would step it up and buy Beringer White Zinfandel for $2.99. Those were the days....
After a little time, we decided to get fancy. We stepped up our game and bought some wonderful 2-Buck Chuck from Trader Joe's. The Charles Shaw (Trader Joe's Exclusive Label) wine, also known as 2-Buck-Chuck extended our pallet into Reds for only $1.99 a bottle. Over the years we continued to grow in our understanding of wine (finally ran into some good wine) and we slowly kept buying better and better bottles.
Our first wine club purchase was from Kenwood's Vineyards, in Kenwood, California located in Sonoma Valley, right next to the famous Napa Valley. I began to learn about tobacco leather, and earthiness, and lots of other strange terminology when tasting their signature Zinfandels (of the red variety). So that is how it all began.
Fast forward a couple decades, and we have been members of five different wine clubs, and now have a passion for California's red wines. My favorite by far is Cabernet Sauvignon, while my wife fancies a good Syrah, Malbec, or Merlot - but she also loves the smell of a wine barrel room, which is all about the notes of Cabernet Sauvignon.
As I come across great wine resources and useful information that I find in planning my own wine trips, I will share here for anyone that might stumble across my humble website.
Cheers! - Franklin Laurel