Saga of grape varieties: mourvèdre

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

Mourvèdre is recognised by its compact clusters and spherical berries of a bluish black.

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

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