Jumilla

Between the Denominaciones Yecla and Bullas in Murcia in eastern Spain lies Jumilla, named after the capital of the region. In this arid and slightly hilly wine region west of Alicante, the vineyards are located between 400 and 800 meters above sea level on a sublayer of limestone covered with sand. There is a scorching hot climate where only the sea breeze sometimes provides cooling.

History

Due to Jumilla's warm climate, the area was spared from phylloxera (grape phylloxera) for a long time in the 19th century. Unfortunately, the area was still hit by this plague in 1989, destroying 60% of it. the vineyards took care of it. A lot was invested to make replanting as efficient as possible, using the best varieties for this area. Yields were low and much of the wine produced here was so heavy that it was used to strengthen and color the lighter wines from Alicante and Valencia. Under the leadership of a number of large wine groups and with financial injections from the European Commission, the entire wine region was reorganized and people began to focus on the production of more modern and commercially interesting wines.

Grapes

Jumilla is known for its indigenous grape varieties and the production of characterful wines. The most important grape of this area is the Monastrell, this grape can handle the drought and heat of the area very well. Monastrell grapes produce red wines with deep colors, rich flavors of dark fruit, spice and earthy notes, and firm tannins. Tempranillo is also very common, this grape can produce many different styles of wine, from light and fruity to rich and complex red wines. The white wines from Jumilla mainly come from the Verdejo grape. Although white wine production in Jumilla is less common than red wine, some excellent white wines can be found.