Everything you need to know about this exquisite but not so well-known grape variety.
Mourvèdre, Monastrell, or Mataró are the names given to this red grape variety, whose origin dates back to Spain, although it is not yet known exactly from which specific area.
What historians do agree on is that it was probably introduced by the Phoenicians around 500 B.C. in some village near Valencia. It was widely spread across Europe until phylloxera almost completely eradicated the vineyards of this variety (and others, of course).
The origin of its name is quite curious, since in Spain it was associated with the towns of Murviedro and Mataró, but legend has it that, so as not to offend either of the two municipalities, it was named Monastrell as a way of using a neutral municipality.
As for the variety itself, it adapts very well to warm and dry climates, which makes Elqui an ideal place for it (although, as far as we know, we are the only ones cultivating this variety in Elqui).
It is a grape that ripens late and needs a lot of wind to protect itself from fungal diseases such as powdery mildew (did someone say Primavento?).
Wines made from Monastrell are tannic, with high alcohol content and medium acidity—an excellent example if you like full-bodied wines with personality.
But you may ask yourselves, why is it the queen of the Rhône (France)?
The answer is very simple: do you know the famous blend from this valley known as GSM? Well, the “M,” you can probably guess where it comes from.
There’s nothing left but to try our exquisite Mourvèdre from Elqui, which, besides being organic, is a unique combination in Chile.
Cheers!
