Grape variety and grafted vine plant Monastrell: all the secrets

Monastrell

It is a variety native to the Spanish Mediterranean coast, where its cultivation was concentrated before spreading into the interior of the Iberian peninsula (Yecla, Jumilla), Aragon and southern France. This variety is very well established in the Levantine vineyards, especially in Murcia and Alicante. Currently its main growing area in Spain is the region of Vinalopó (Alicante inland) and the neighbouring areas of Els Alforins (Valencia), Almansa, Yecla and Jumilla. It is also known as Gayata (Murcia), Ros (Sagunt), Garrut (Tarragona), Mourvèdre (France).

CULTIVATED AREA IN SPAIN

YEAR	1990	1999	2009
HECTARES	105.968	67.912	59.165

CULTIVATED AREA IN FRANCE

YEAR	1958	1969	1979	1988	1998	2006
HECTARES	617	857	3.146	5.608	7.249	9.164

Budburst period: late.
Ripening period: late, very late (3rd epoch).
Yield: average-low.

Ampelographic characters:

the bud has an open apex, with weak anthocyanin pigmentation, edged and with strong density of prostrate hairs. The leaf is medium, orbicular, and five-lobed. The rib is dark green, and the petiolar sinus is slightly open and U-shaped. Medium-sized, compact cluster. The medium-small, spheroidal berry has a thick skin and a juicy pulp.

Cultural aptitude:

vine of high vigour and upright growth habit. It prefers deep calcareous soils, warm climate, well-exposed areas, as it could, otherwise, ripen insufficiently. It well tolerates droughts.

Training system and pruning:

adaptable to contained training systems and short pruning.

Susceptibility to diseases and adverse conditions:

susceptible to downy mildew, powdery mildew and acid rot. Little susceptible to botrytis and dead arm.

Enological potential:

it produces bright red, structured wines of good acidity. It has a high-quality aromatic complex that develops its full varietal potential from 13% alcohol. The wines have very good qualities for aging and blending with other wines.