Many people are not familiar with the Mourvedre grape variety. It is originally from Spain, where it is known as Monsatrell or Mataro. It is the second most planted red variety in Spain, following Garnacha. But most of Mourvedre’s notarity comes from its home in the southern Rhône of France. In France it is generally blended with Grenache and Syrah, to produce the great GSM (Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvedre) wines of Rhône. However, Mourvedre has also found that it likes the climates of California and Australia as well.

The Rosenblum Cellars vineyards are located in Contra Costa, California, 40 miles east of San Francisco, and 30 miles south of Napa Valley, sitting in the shadow of Mt. Diablo. Mourvedre thrives in this warm weather environment, and the wine is deep in color. On the nose are aromas of cherry, fresh red fruit, violets, and an earthiness. In the mouth this wine has flavors of cherries, red berries, leather, with firm tannins, and a nice clean finish. This was a delightful wine, and one that would pair well with grilled steak.

Jon