Monastrell at a glance Also known as: Mourvèdre (France) and Mataro (Australia and California)Origin: Spain, mainly the east and southeastWell-known areas: Jumilla, Yecla, Alicante, Almansa and BullasStyle: dark in colour, full, with firm tanninsFlavour: blackberry, plum, herbs and black pepperServing: red at 14 to 16 degrees, rosé at 8 to 10 degreesGoes with: grilled meat, stews and mature cheeseWhat is Monastrell? Monastrell is a dark, late-ripening red grape. In France it is called Mourvèdre, and in Australia and California Mataro. It probably comes from Spain, and the name Mourvèdre is traced back to Murviedro, today's Sagunto near Valencia. Monastrell is one of Spain's most important red grapes.
Where does Monastrell grow? Almost all of Spain's Monastrell grows in Murcia, Castilla-La Mancha and the Valencia region, mainly in the east and southeast of the country. The best-known appellations are Jumilla, Yecla, Alicante, Almansa and Bullas.
Jumilla is seen as the largest Monastrell area in the world, with the grape on around 70% of its vineyards. At ONWINE, wine with Monastrell currently comes from Almería in the southeast and from Valencia.
What makes Monastrell special? Monastrell is special because it needs a lot of warmth and dryness, and as a result gives dark, powerful wine. The vine buds late, ripens late and suits a hot, dry and windy climate.
Monastrell has thick skins, which give deep colour and plenty of tannin. Once the grape is ripe, acidity drops quickly, so the timing of the harvest matters. In warm areas such as Jumilla and Yecla, Monastrell gives full wines with ripe dark fruit and softer tannins than French Mourvèdre.
What does Monastrell taste like? Red Monastrell is dark in colour and full in flavour, with blackberry, black cherry and plum. Herbs and black pepper join in, and sometimes notes of leather or game. The wine has firm tannins and plenty of body.
Because of its colour and tannin, Monastrell is often blended with other grapes, such as Garnacha, Syrah and Tempranillo . Rosé is also made from Monastrell: fresh and fruity, with red fruit.
Which wines with Monastrell can you buy at ONWINE? Right now you find Monastrell at ONWINE in blends and in rosé, not as a single grape. The wines come from two winemakers: Bodega Sierra Almagrera from Almería and Bodegas La Canetana from Valencia.
Red: blends from Almería The Caballo Español Silver Edition is a blend of Syrah, Tempranillo and Monastrell from vineyards at 350 metres in semi-arid Almería. The wine ages for 24 months in oak, 80% French and 20% American. It is full and harmonious, with forest fruit such as blackberry, smoke, spices and a long finish.
The Sierra Almagrera Crianza Tinto is a blend of Syrah, Tempranillo, Monastrell and Garnacha. It ages for twelve months in French oak and then another year in the winery's cellars. It is full and round, with wild strawberry, mountain herbs such as lavender and thyme, a hint of cinnamon and a long, fruity and spicy finish.
Rosé: fresh and fruity from Valencia The 'Marie' Vino Rosado from Bodegas La Canetana is a rosé of Monastrell and Garnacha Tinta, made by the saignée method. The grapes are picked by hand, the must ferments at low temperature in stainless steel tanks and the wine ages for five months on the fine lees. It has a soft salmon-pink colour and smells of red fruit and flowers. On the palate it is fresh and supple.
Which one suits you? You want a powerful, oak-aged red wine. Choose the Caballo Español Silver Edition.
You want a red wine that is round and soft. Choose the Sierra Almagrera Crianza Tinto.
You like fresh rosé. Choose the 'Marie' Vino Rosado.
You want to taste first. Choose the Almería Tasting Case , with wines from Bodega Sierra Almagrera, including a red blend with Monastrell.
What food goes with Monastrell? Red Monastrell goes with grilled meat, barbecue dishes, stews, spicy Mediterranean dishes and mature cheese. The rosé goes with salads, grilled vegetables, fish and light Mediterranean dishes.
Buy Monastrell wine at ONWINE At ONWINE you buy wine directly from the winemaker, and on our winemakers page you read who is behind the wine. Shipping is free from 12 bottles from the same winemaker. You find more red wine in our Spanish red wine and more rosé in our rosé wine .
View all Spanish wine →
Frequently asked questions about Monastrell wine Is Monastrell the same as Mourvèdre? Yes. Monastrell is the Spanish name of the grape that is called Mourvèdre in France. In Australia and California it is called Mataro. The French region of Bandol is best known for its Mourvèdre.
Is Monastrell a heavy wine? Red Monastrell usually has plenty of body, lots of colour and firm tannins. In a blend with Garnacha the wine often becomes rounder and more approachable. A rosé made from Monastrell is often lighter and fresher instead.
What is the difference between Monastrell and Garnacha? Monastrell is darker and has more tannin. Garnacha is softer and juicier, with ripe red fruit and herbs. That is why the two grapes are often combined.
How long can you keep Monastrell? Drink rosé and young wine in the first two to three years. Red Monastrell with oak ageing can often last 5 years or longer thanks to its tannin. Store the bottles lying down, cool and dark.
