Mourvèdre/Monastrell

Bandol is perhaps the most famous incarnation of this Franco-Spanish variety which is often said to do best in the blazing sun with its roots near the sea. It has a blackberry aroma, can be beefy with a bit of oak and has quite chunky, if soft tannins. It works well in blends such as Châteauneuf-du-Pape, but the Spanish prefer it as a sole varietal from Jumilla and Valencia. Also known as Mataró in Australia and California.