Petit Verdot
Jumilla Wine and Bodegas
There are many Bodegas and wine shops in Jumila, there is a strong wine tourist theme. Jumilla is the primary wine–growing region of the whole of Murcia and perhaps the best–known exported wine from the region. Red and rosé wines are particular favourites.
For more information in English about all the bodegas in the area have a look at www.vinosdejumilla.org
The Jumilla Wine Tour (Ruta del Vino) is certified as a Spanish Wine Tour, and together with Montilla, Mancha-Valdepeñas, Utiel-Requena, Rías Baixas and Penedés, it represents the only tours that have so far obtained this distinction, which is synonymous with quality wine tourism. The tour includes visits to the wineries, guided wine tastings, wine tasting courses, local food and produce and meetings with the producers. In more recent years they’ve added a musical theme for the summer, with a bodega visit followed by music. www.rutadelvinojumilla.com
Many of the bodegas will arrange a tour followed by a wine tasting for you, get in touch to book. With advance notice you can even book a tour in English. If you go to the Ruta del Vino website and click on Partners List, you will find the main bodegas, wine shops, hotels and restaurants listed there with relevant links.
Or you can buy the wines online from their websites, the shops in Jumilla main town or in larger supermarkets in the Murcia region.
Carchelo Winery
Located in Carche Valley near Jumilla since 1990, owns more than two hundred hectares of vineyard, mainly with plantations of Monastrell (Mourvèdre) and Syrah. The rest is split between Cabernet Sauvignon and Tempranillo. The vineyards are irrigated by night with water coming directly from the mountains or rainwater when possible. The bodega also owns 500 wine casks made of French oak. Look for the brands Carchelo, Altico, Canalizo and Vedré. 968 435137, www.carchelo.com
Casa de la Ermita
Is based about 11km outside of Jumilla in the Carche valley and is well worth a visit. They’ll show you around the vines, the winery and the storage areas. You can have a tasting session and buy the wines directly at great prices. Almost all of their wines can be found in the larger supermarkets saving you a trip to the winery (are you crazy!)
Their main grape is the Monastrell. They grow two varieties of French grape, Petit Verdot and Viognier, which are adapting with extraordinary ease to the climate of Jumilla. Petit Verdot is one of the most prestigious varieties of the A.O.C. Margaux, in France. There is also an experimental area where they are trying out other grape varieties including Caladoc and Gewurztraminer.
This is our favourite bodega and if you ever come visiting us bring a bottle of their Petit Verdot and I’ll be your friend forever. 968 783035, www.casadelaermita.com
Silvano García
This bodega has been around since 1925, they produce Macabeo, Monastrell, Tempranillo, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Muscatel and Merlot grapes. Look out for the Viñahonda and Silvano García labels in supermarkets.
Since 2002 they’ve also been selling their wine jams and ecological olive oils. They are next to the Mercadona, so very easy to access. 968 780767, www.silvanogarcia.es and www.bodegasilvanogarcia.blogspot.com
Hacienda del Carche
Located in the Carche valley this is a young bodega which opened in 2006 and produces Tempranillo, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Grenache grapes along with the native Monastrell for the development of red wines, and Macabeo and Sauvignon Blanc for whites. They also sell olive oil, balsamic vinegar and red wine jam. 968 108248, www.haciendadelcarche.com
Bodegas Juan Gil
This bodega has been in operation since 1916 in the hands of the Gil family. Covering 120 hectares, they produce Monastrell, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shyrah, Merlot and Petit Verdot grapes.
Bodega Luzon
Bodegas Lúzon
This winery has some of the most unusual and striking labels, for which they’ve won awards. If you’re anything like me and buy with your eyes before you taste, these labels will get your attention. In over 600 hectares they grow Monastrell, Tempranillo, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes. 968 784135, www.bodegasluzon.com
