Becoming a Fan of Jumilla

Photo Credit: Golden Visas in Spain

If you haven’t tasted wines from the Jumilla region of Spain, you must. You will become a fan instantly! Trust me!

On October 12, I had the opportunity to attend Spain’s Great Match at the Mercado Little Spain, NYC, and learned a little more about the wines from this region of Spain. The Jumilla region has some beautiful wines, and the predominant grape is Monastrell. Take time to read the article and listen to the podcast about the Jumilla region and the wines. You will have a better understanding of the grapes and wines from this region. You will reach for a bottle next time you are in the wine shop.

Here are some interesting facts about Jumilla. At the end of this article, please listen to the podcast about Jumilla.

• Jumilla is pronounced hoo-mil-luh
• There are 1600 growers and 42 wineries.
• It is located 60 miles inland and does get Mediterranean influence.
• The topography is high altitude with rolling hills. High altitude is between 1300 - 2950 feet above sea level.
• They have 3000 hours of sunshine. Great conditions for organic agriculture. 70% of the vineyards are certified organic.
• There are 8 red varieties and 8 wine varieties grown in the region. They produce 70% red wine, 5% wine, 4% rose wine, and 1% dessert wine.

During the Jumilla seminar, we got to taste 8 wines. I wouldn’t hesitate to pick up a bottle.

Parajes del Valle Bodegas y Vinedos Monastrell Organic 2020 - 100% Monastrell and aged in a concrete vat. Very fresh with red jammy fruit. Lots of red currants, cherry, and raspberry.

Bodegas Cerron La Servil 2020 Monastrell - 96% Monastrell grown at a high altitude of 3000 feet. Aged in 5000 liters French oak founders. It shows some soft minerality and soft and silky red fruit with a hint of baking spice on the finish.

Bodegas Luzon Altos de Luzon 2020 - 100% Monastrell from a single plot. Maceration for 10 days and aged 12 months is American and French oak. Fine tannins lace this wine with red and black fruit and sweet spice.

Bodegas Juan Gil Silver Label, 2019 - 100% Monastrell, grown at an altitude between 1800 and 2300 feet. It spends 12 months in French oak. It’s a fresh, easy-drinking wine with mild tannins, floral notes, and fresh berries. Would work well with Thanksgiving dinner.

Bodegas Vina Elena Familia Pacheco Barrica 2019 - This is a blend of 60% Monastrell 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 20% Syrah from 30 - 40-year-old vines. Medium-bodied with notes of plum, red fruit, licorice, and a Syrah finish of blue fruit.

Bodegas Carchelo Altico 2018 - 100% Single Vineyard Syrah. Aged 12 months in 225 Liter French Oak and 12 months in the bottle. Floral and fruity aromas with hints of violets. Fresh and silky on the palate with nice integrated tannins, blackberry, and spice.

Bodegas Ego GORU 18M 2016 - 70% Monastrell, 20% Syrah 10% Petit Verdot from 50 year old vines. Aged 18 months is new French and American oak. Soft and complex on the palate with notes of blackberry, red currant, licorice, cinnamon, and vanilla. Nice integrated tannins.

Bodegas Olivares Dulce Monastrell 2017 - This is a special wine that is not made every year. It’s 100% Monastrell from the oldest vines in the vineyard harvested into the fall. It spends 30 days in maceration. It is a sweeter dessert wine aged in concrete vats for 2 years. Aromas of black olives, tomato, balsamic, and figs lead to a rich palate with dark sweet fruit.

Listen to the podcast and learn about the Jumilla region of Spain and its wines.