Difficult to pronounce, easy to drink, Mourvèdre (moor-VEH-druh) is making a name for itself in the United States. What began in Spain and France as a blending grape is now being enjoyed as a solo sipper across the West Coast.
The thick-skinned grape can be tricky to grow as it enjoys heat from the sun, but needs adequate water or irrigation to produce the intense yet earthy flavor that shines through in this particular wine. Similar to a Syrah (maybe courtesy of its mutual motherland of France’s Rhône Valley), Mourvèdre pairs nicely with spicy entrées, red meats and dry, dark chocolate desserts. From the Rogue to the Walla Walla valleys, this wine is perfect for the fall and winter seasons beginning to approach the PNW.
Robert Ramsay Cellars | 2013 Mourvèdre, Horse Heaven Hills
Deep in the Horse Heaven Hills, McKinley Springs’ dry soils are well suited for the heat loving Rhône varietal grapes. Rough and earthy like the terrain it came from, the nose on this vintage is notably peppered, intense and focused. The mouth is rich with leather and tobacco on the finish. It’s necessary to pair this particular Mourvèdre with filet mignon and buttery mashed potatoes.
Bunnell Family Cellars | 2009 Mourvèdre, Northridge Vineyard, Wahluke Slope
Based in the Yakima Valley, owner and winemaker Ron Bunnell makes wine specific to Rhône varietals and this single vineyard Mourvèdre is no different. Sold on-site exclusively, it is deep purple in color with a blackberry scent on the nose, herbal and spicy notes to finish and hints of tobacco in between. Enjoy this vintage over Thanksgiving dinner to bring out its flavorful palate.
Mark Ryan Winery | 2014 Crazy Mary, Red Mountain
From the Red Mountain vineyards of Ciel du Cheval and Force Majeure, this Mourvèdre offers classic notes of blueberries, white pepper and warm spices in a medium to full-bodied finish. This vintage might be gripping with tannins but the wine is balanced with a bright, acidic grapefruit flavor that stands out in each sip. Trying pairing with a spicy beef stir-fry.
Folin Cellars | 2014 Estate Mourvèdre, Rogue Valley
Aged longer than previous vintages, the 2014 spent 16 months in oak barrels, allowing for more influence and a silky-smooth finish. Expect bright-cherry flavors on the nose intermingled with rustic, dried herbs and soft cinnamon spice to finish. Enjoy with a triple-cream Brie or duck pâté for a high-fat element to balance out the oaky tannins and acidity.
Dowsett Wines | 2011 Mourvèdre, Heart of the Hill Vineyard, Red Mountain
Made from fruit grown in Kiona Winery’s Heart of the Hill Vineyard, this limited-release vintage shows bright red fruit with a slight smoky reduction to the aromas of cherry and minerals, finishing with silky notes of tobacco on the nose. Light in body and bouncing on its feet, this wine is sure to hold your interest and can be paired with creamy, vegetable pasta for vegetarians or a juicy burger for the meat lovers out there.
