Monastrell

Black grape variety

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Origin

This variety, of Spanish origin, was probably introduced to France towards the end of the Middle Ages.

Synonyms

In the European Union, Mourvèdre is officially known by other names: Mataro (Cyprus) and Monastrell (Spain).

Phenology

Bud-burst period: 13 days after the Chasselas variety.
Ripening period: Late ripening, 4 and a half weeks after the Chasselas variety.

Technological potential

Monastrell clusters are medium to large, and the berries are medium-sized. The color potential of this variety is medium, and it sometimes lacks acidity. Nevertheless, Monastrell can produce wines of exceptional quality—aromatic, tannic, and structured—suitable for aging and oak maturation, provided that the degree of ripeness is sufficient (at least 12 natural degrees) and that the yield per vine is limited.

Agronomic characteristics

Mourvèdre is a demanding and delicate variety to cultivate. Due to its upright growth habit and acrotonic character, it should be trained with short pruning. It can also be trained in cordons, with reduced trellising, or in a goblet system with sufficient opening.
Care must be taken to preserve the foliage, which is sparse and moderately effective. Avoid excessively pruning the canopy to limit the appearance of large shoots, which can become a detrimental competition.
The yield per vine must be low to avoid the risks of exhaustion.
Occasionally, this variety exhibits phenomena of alternation in terms of fertility.
The soil and climate requirements for Mourvèdre are limiting.
It adapts well to calcareous soils with sufficient depth to allow for limited but regular water supply. Nutritional supplementation with potassium and magnesium (K/Mg) must also be balanced to prevent deficiencies.
Finally, a major limiting factor for the cultivation of this late-cycle variety (bud-burst and ripening) is the temperatures at the time of ripening, which must be high (particularly minimum temperatures) to allow for optimal ripening development and sufficient sugar accumulation in the berries. Therefore, this variety should be reserved for the warmest areas with the best exposure.