Mataro wine guide

Have you ever had a Mataro? What about a Monastrell or Mourvèdre? Or, maybe you might know these grape varieties from their classic red blend: GSM (Grenache, Shiraz, Mataro – what?!). This grape variety goes by many names, but they are all the same grape with a reputation for being a workhorse. And in this Mataro wine guide, we’re going to discover everything there is to know about this powerful grape variety.

Whether it is a single-varietal wine, blended red wine, fortified wine or rosé, you can find Mataro everywhere. Mataro also has a history of being an unnamed component in blended cask wine here in Australia. It’s deep and bold with high acid, alcohol and tannin making it perfect for blending. But single-varietal wines are becoming even more popular.

Spotlight on Mataro and Mourvèdre

Mataro is a diverse grape which you’ll find across single-varietals, blends, rosé and port-style fortified wines. It is a grape that can withstand the heat in warm and hot climates, making it perfect for some of our warmer Australian wine regions. You might know it best as part of the GSM blend which follows the style of blended wines from Châteauneuf-du-Pape in the Rhône region of France. Most wineries in Australia call it Mataro, however, you will find plenty of Mourvèdre out there too – the name coming down to what the winemaker wants.

Origins

Mataro is thought to have originated in Spain where it is commonly referred to as Monastrell. It has also made a name for itself in France as Mourvèdre in the Rhône and Provence regions.

Mataro was brought to Australia by James Busby in 1832 from France, and first planted in New South Wales. It then spread across Australia. The Barossa still had the oldest Mataro vineyard in the world, along with some of these original plantings.

Flavour profile of Mataro

It wouldn’t be a Mataro wine guide without diving into what you’ll find in the glass. Mataro as a single-varietal is a meaty and full-bodied red wine. It is packed full of aromas of dark fruit (blueberry, blackberry and plum), violet, black pepper, herbs such as thyme and meat. These meaty and spicy flavours make Mataro quite savoury as a wine. You can also sometimes get chocolate and liquorice. Some young Mataro wines are seen as too gamey, but as they age out you get forest floor, barnyard, leather and truffles (learn more about forest floor and barnyard in these posts).

Mataro is full-bodied and often high in alcohol with a dark purple colour. It is also high in tannins and acidity, which make it a great blending partner to add a bit of weight to Grenache (learn more about Grenache here). Because it is full of character, it became less favoured than other varieties such as Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. So you will find it more commonly in blends where the fruitiness of Grenache balances out those meaty flavours. However, we are increasingly seeing some incredible single varieties across Australia which really let Mataro shine on its own.

Where you’ll find Mataro and what to look for

So where do you find Mataro, and what should you look for? Luckily this Mataro wine guide has all your bases covered. Mataro is historically grown in Spain and France where it is often blended to add complexity and dimension to the blend. However, Australian producers are more frequently making single-varietal wines. In Australia, it has made a home in the Barossa Valley as well as McLaren Vale where the hot climate and warm summers give ideal growing conditions. You’ll also find some of the oldest continually producing vines of Mataro in Riverland.

Because of the high acidity and tannin in Mataro, these wines age well, and develop greater complexity over time. Blends with Mataro often include Shiraz and Grenache to add structure and fruit characteristics.

What to pair with Mataro

Mataro wines pair well with food. Flavours that harmonise with the earthiness of the wine are the best match. Think full-flavoured red meat or earthy vegetables such as mushrooms. It also pairs beautifully with duck. In a blend of GSM, the wine tends to be fruitier, and so a pairing with slow-roasted lamb shoulder is a match made in heaven.

Summary: Mataro wine guide

In this Mataro wine guide, we’ve uncovered a grape variety that isn’t as well known as some of its counterparts but is a true workhorse. It has made a name for itself in the GSM blend, but single-varietal wines are increasingly showcasing exactly what this wine can do. Whether you prefer Mataro, Monastrell or Mourvèdre, there is so much to discover about this full-bodied red wine.