WINE SCHOOL 14 - 20 May 2018 |
|
REGION: France > Minervois |
|
|
Widely associated with undistinguished table wine production in the 1970s and '80s, Minervois is slowly and steadily building a reputation for impressive, high quality wine. Many established winemakers have been attracted to the region by the favourable climate, favourable soils and diversity of old vines.
Key red grapes: Carignan, Mourvèdre, Syrah
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
GRAPE: Mourvèdre |
|
|
Mourvèdre makes rich, dark wines with savoury meaty/herby/gamey flavours - a bit like a softer, smoother version of Tannat. Unlike Tannat is is rarely found as a varietal wine and is usually tempered with a fruitier grape such as Syrah or Tempranillo. Mourvèdre needs a lot of heat to ripen. It is the signature grape of the Bandol region of Provence, although most of the production goes into rosé wine. It is also widely planted (as Monsatrell) in its country of origin - Spain - where it is now producing some delicious wines. Synonyms: Mataro, Monastrell (Spain) |
|
RECOMMENDED WINES |
|
|
|
|
| Next week in WINE SCHOOL: Salta (Argentina) & Torrontes | |
|
|
|
| SEARCH TRIPTYCHS | |||