Saga of grape varieties: mourvèdre

Mourvèdre is a Spanish grape variety. Having arrived in France during the 16th century, it is cultivated notably in the Languedoc-Roussillon, the Rhône Valley and Provence. The Mediterranean terroir suits mourvèdre best, as it needs sun and clay-limestone soils. It is also said of mourvèdre that it needs to be able to see the sea.

Mourvèdre is recognised by its compact clusters, its spherical, blue-black berries.

It is used for red wines. This grape variety with a strong personality produces a structured and tannic wine. It imparts to the wine aromas of spices, black fruits (blackcurrant, blackberry), stewed and candied fruits with vegetal hints of garrigue or bay leaf.

Mourvèdre is part of the blend at Château l'Hospitalet, for example, where it faces the sea. It expresses itself wonderfully in the Château l'Hospitalet Grand Vin Rouge cuvée, where it is blended with Carignan and Syrah.