S/East Spain - The Levant - Jumilla

Answer 1

Directly west of Yecla DO.

Half of the vineyards part of La Mancha. Other half part Murcía.

• Vineyards in hills up 700m high; hot, dry sandy soil (no phylloxera until 1980s)

Climate

• Hot, arid Mediterranean climate.

Low rainfall 300mm/yr. 3,000h of sunlight.

Answer 2

Reds

1. Monastrell – 85% of plantings
2. Buds & ripens late (-> warm climate); good resistant to drought
3. Thrives in south facing slopes with shallow, water-retaining clay soils
4. Dark, full bodied wines w hi acidity, hi tannins, med+ to hi alcohol w a fruity(bramble fruits) & meaty aromas that develop into leather, mushroom & spicy aromas with age

Others: Cencibel (aka Tempranillo), Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot

Answer 3

Whites

1. Macabeo
2. Airen

Others: Malvasia, Chardonnay

Answer 4

33,000ha – DO since 1966

1980s arrival of Phylloxera led to replantings with new varieties.

1⁄2 of vineyards in La Mancha & 1⁄2 in Murcía -> DO managed by Ministry of Agriculture (≠ regional Consejo Regulador)

Winemaking/Styles

Mainly strong red wines w mainly joven wines but some Crianza and Reserva production too.

Reds & Rosados must contain min 50% Monastrell. Some sweet reds made from Monastrell.

Reds are full bodied, hi in alcohol and tannins w black fruit, hints of meat and liquorice.

One of the country’s leading DO with recognised high quality potential

San Isidro cooperative dominates the region’s production but others e.g. Agapito Rico (Casa Castillo wine) drive quality. Torres also invested heavily in the region.