Mataro

Mataro, also known as Mourvèdre, is a red wine grape variety that is widely grown in the Rhône Valley of France, as well as in Spain, Australia, and the United States. It is a late-ripening grape that produces full-bodied, tannic wines with flavors of dark fruit, spice, and leather.

In Spain, Mataro is known as Monastrell and is grown primarily in the regions of Jumilla, Yecla, and Alicante. The wines produced from this grape are often rich and powerful, with flavors of blackberry, black cherry, and chocolate. Some of the most famous brands of Monastrell include Juan Gil, Casa de la Ermita, and Bodegas Castaño.

In Australia, Mataro is often blended with other grape varieties, such as Shiraz and Grenache, to produce full-bodied, complex wines. Some of the most famous brands of Mataro in Australia include Torbreck, Henschke, and d’Arenberg.

In the United States, Mataro is often used as a blending grape in Rhône-style blends, but it is also grown as a single varietal wine in California. The wines produced from this grape in California are often rich and full-bodied, with flavors of blackberry, black cherry, and spice. Some of the most famous brands of Mataro in California include Ridge Vineyards, Tablas Creek Vineyard, and Bonny Doon Vineyard.

There are several different clones of Mataro, each with its own unique characteristics. The most common clones include the Tablas Creek clone, the Beaucastel clone, and the Spanish clone. The Tablas Creek clone is known for producing wines with flavors of dark fruit and spice, while the Beaucastel clone is known for producing wines with flavors of leather and earth. The Spanish clone is known for producing wines with flavors of blackberry and black cherry.

Overall, Mataro is a versatile grape variety that produces wines with a wide range of flavors and aromas. Whether you prefer a rich and powerful Monastrell from Spain or a complex Rhône-style blend from California, there is a Mataro wine out there for everyone.