The Monastrell
Grape
Known as Mourvèdre in France and Mataro in other regions, Monastrell is a red grape variety that thrives in Spain's warm climates. It produces full-bodied, tannic wines with flavors of black fruits, spice, and game, often with a high alcohol content. Monastrell is valued for its intensity and structure in blends and varietal wines.
Monastrell
Grape History
Monastrell, also known as Mourvèdre in France and Mataro in Australia, is a dark-skinned grape variety that has a long and storied history dating back to ancient times. While its exact origins are disputed, it is believed to have originated in the Middle East and then spread to the Mediterranean region. The grape has thrived in various regions, adapting to different climates and soil types, making it a versatile and resilient variety.
Historically, Monastrell has been particularly associated with the region of Murcia in southeastern Spain, where it has been cultivated for centuries. The hot and arid climate of this region, along with its proximity to the Mediterranean Sea, provides ideal conditions for the grape to thrive. Monastrell is also widely grown in other regions of Spain, as well as in France, Australia, and the United States.
Monastrell is known for producing bold and full-bodied red wines with dark fruit flavors, firm tannins, and a characteristic earthy and spicy undertone. It is often blended with other grape varieties, such as Grenache and Syrah, to add complexity and depth to the wine. In Spain, Monastrell is a key component of many red wine blends, including the famous wines from the region of Jumilla.
In recent years, Monastrell has been gaining popularity among winemakers and consumers alike, as its rich flavors and distinct character have captured the attention of wine enthusiasts around the world. The grape's adaptability to different growing conditions and its ability to produce high-quality wines even in hot climates make it a promising variety for the future.
As the demand for unique and distinctive wines continues to grow, it is likely that Monastrell will play an increasingly important role in the global wine market. With its deep roots in history and its ability to produce wines of exceptional quality, Monastrell is poised to become a standout grape variety in the world of wine. Whether enjoyed on its own or as part of a blend, Monastrell offers a unique and memorable 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