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Mourvèdre

Origin

This variety is originally from Spain and was probably introduced in France at the end of the Middle Ages.

Registration Information

In France, Mourvèdre is officially listed in the “Catalogue of vine varieties” on the A list and is classified for wine grapes. This variety is also listed in the catalogues of other Member States of the European Union: Crotia, Cyprus, Greece, Malta and Spain.

Vine Characteristics

Mourvèdre is a demanding variety that requires careful cultivation. With its erect growth habit and acrotonic nature, it must be pruned short, making it suitable for cordon training, reduced trellising, or open gobelet systems. Proper canopy management is essential, as its moderate foliage is not overly abundant. Trimming should be avoided to prevent the development of large secondary clusters (grappillons), which can create unwanted competition. To avoid depletion, vine production should be kept low, as this variety may exhibit alternating fertility.

Mourvèdre has very specific soil and climate requirements. It thrives in deep limestone soils that provide a limited but consistent water supply. A balanced potassium-to-magnesium (K/Mg) ratio is crucial to prevent nutrient deficiencies. The most significant challenge with this late-ripening variety—characterized by late budburst and maturity—is the need for consistently high temperatures during ripening, particularly warm nighttime temperatures, to ensure proper sugar accumulation in the berries. For these reasons, Mourvèdre is best suited to the warmest southern regions with optimal sun exposure. Mourvèdre’s grape bunches range from medium to large, with medium-sized berries.

Wine Characteristics

This variety has a moderate color potential and can sometimes lack acidity. However, when allowed to fully ripen (reaching at least 12 natural degrees), and with limited vine production, Mourvèdre can produce high-quality wines that are aromatic, tannic, and well-structured. These wines are well-suited for aging and maturation in wooden barrels.

Susceptibility to Diseases and Pests

Mourvèdre is susceptible to mites, vine leafhoppers, esca, and sour rot. However, it is generally less prone to Botrytis and demonstrates good resistance to phomopsis.


More Varieties

All information has been provided by VineTech’s genetics providers.

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