Mourvèdre (pronounced moor-veh-druh) is a bold, dark, and rustic red grape that offers a savoury alternative to Cabernet Sauvignon or Shiraz. It is beloved for its meaty, earthy, and intense dark-fruit flavours, making it a perfect recommendation for someone looking for a serious, full-bodied wine.
The grapes are from Kasteelsig vineyard, owned by Billy (Guillermo) Hughes, and are organically certified. Soil is red Glenrosa with some Oakleaf – shale-rich duplex soils. The vineyards are not irrigated. Mourvèdre 85%, Syrah 15%
The grapes were fermented with natural yeast in open tanks and a small, manually-rotating steel tank (20% whole-bunches). Malolactic conversion and maturation took place in small French and American oak barrels (20% new) for 8 months.
Tasting Notes: A silky, medium-bodied wine. It features dark fruits (plum, blackberry), earthy undertones, and fine, well-integrated tannins. Often blended with a touch of Syrah, it is lauded for its "plush" feel, "floral" nose (violet/lavender), and a "savoury" finish.
Food Pairing: Grilled Red Meats: Due to its smoky and peppery nature, it pairs perfectly with barbecue beef short ribs, smoked brisket, or lamb chops with rosemary. Hearty Stews & Braises: Rich, slow-cooked meals like lamb shanks in a red wine sauce, beef ragu, or venison stew complement its high tannin structure. Game and Strong Flavors: The gamey nature of the wine matches well with dishes featuring venison, rabbit, or duck. Vegetarian Options: Earthy dishes like a wild mushroom risotto or roasted eggplant, especially with herbs like thyme, are a great match.
ANALYSIS: ALC 14.22% | TA 6.7g/L | pH 3.43 | RS 2g/L
