Lusciously plump and juicy dark fruit – black plums, black cherries and more – are the images that immediately come to mind when we sip on a nice glass of Spanish red wine made from Monastrell.

Monastrell is the Spanish name for a thick-skinned red wine grape variety with small berries, which is more commonly known outside of Spain by its French synonym, Mourvèdre. However, according to Master of Wine Jancis Robinson, the variety clearly originated in Spain, and it is believed that Mourvèdre and Mataro (another less known synonym for the variety grown in small pockets of California and Australia) take their names from the Mediterranean coastal Spanish towns of Murviedro near Valencia and Mataro near Barcelona, respectively.

Monastrell grows best in hot climates with long growing seasons, particularly in the hot, dry regions of Spain (e.g., Jumilla, Yecla, Alicante, Almansa and Valencia), yielding intensely colored wines that are high in tannins and exhibit black fruit flavors, spices and leather. Monastrell is used in blends as well as single varietals, and although it has not achieved the iconic status of Tempranillo, it is the fourth most widely grown red wine grape variety in Spain – Foods & Wines from Spain.

Monastrell Food Pairing

Monastrell tends to be big, medium to full-bodied and high in tannins, so it naturally pairs well with just about any hearty and meaty dish, from hamburgers and pizza to short ribs, veal, pork, lamb, sausage, game and other meats, especially grilled meats. The perfect wine for your next barbecue!

Monastrell also pairs well with hearty stews or soups made from beef, pork, lamb, sausage and other meats. Try it with our  Cuban Black Beans with Bacon!

Three Monastrell Wines to Try

Enrique Mendoza “La Tremenda” Monastrell 2014

Grape Varieties: 100% Monastrell

Region: Alicante, Spain

Alcohol by Volume: 14.5%

Average Price: $13

Aging: 6 months in French oak

Tasting Notes: Named after the estate’s La Tremenda vineyard, this wine is pretty tremendous for the price. It has a medium to deep ruby color, medium body and vibrant notes of fresh black cherries and red berries with hints of spice and a silky finish.
“The price is hard to believe.” – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate (92 Points)

Juan Gil “Silver Label” Monastrell 2014

Grape Varieties: 100% Monastrell

Region: Jumilla, Spain

Alcohol by Volume: 15%

Average Price: $14

Aging: 12 months in French oak

Tasting Notes: This is one of a variety of wines produced under different labels by the family owned Spanish winemaker, Bodegas Juan Gil. It has a medium to deep ruby color and medium plus body with aromas and flavors of ripe black fruit, clove and tobacco spices and a soft, spicy finish.

Juan Gil “18 Meses” 2013

Grape Varieties: 60% Monastrell, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Syrah

Region: Jumilla, Spain

Alcohol by Volume: 15.5%

Aging: 18 months in French and American oak

Average Cost: $30

Tasting Notes: This “Blue Label” blend from Bodegas Juan Gil costs more than the other two wines but it’s worth it. It is a deep ruby-purple color and full-bodied with aromas and flavors of ripe black plums, clove and sweet spices with a long, elegant finish. Our favorite of the three!

We hope you enjoy your next glass of Spanish Monastrell!

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!Salud!