Jumilla DO

Question 1

Describe the growing environment of the Jumilla DO

Answer 1

• On Murcia’s flat plains and wide valleys between Alicante (east) and La Mancha (west)
• Warm continental climate, hot summers, cold winters
• 400-800m above sea level, providing cooling influence & diurnal range
• 25,000ha planted
• Rainfall very low, 250-300mm
• The soil is generally sand over limestone, aiding ground water retention; many vineyards not equipped with irrigation
• Mostly Monastrell; 70% of plantings; suited to heat & low rainfall

Question 2

Describe the history of Jumilla DO

Answer 2

• Most of the 20th century, mostly inexpensive bulk wines
• 1989, it was devastated by phylloxera, leading to a significant re-planting of vines
• Virus free plantings of Monastrell planted with higher quality clones
• Vineyard management and winemaking improved; earlier harvesting and cooler fermentation temperatures); quality improved
• Some old bush vines still there making low yeilds of high quality fruit

Question 3

Describe the wines of Jumilla DO

Answer 3

• red wines of Monastrell; full bodied, high alcohol. Ripe black fuit, spice from oak maturation.
• Very good examples have medium + acidity
• Other black grapes permitted; Cencibel (Tempranillo), Garnacha Tintorera (Alicante Bouschet), Garnacha, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Petit Verdot - all generally blended with Monastrell
• Some rosé of Monastrell, small amounts of white wine

Question 4

Describe the wine business of Jumilla DO

Answer 4

• 2000 grape growers
• 40 wineries, including co-operatives
• High volumes of inexpensive wines are the majority of production
• Move to better quality recently
• Some very good, premium priced wines
• Majority sold export