DO Jumilla D.O. wines awarded at the Gilbert & Gaillard International Challenge

Denominacion de Origen

Jumilla D.O. covers the municipality of Jumilla, in the Region of Murcia, together with six municipalities in the province of Albacete, in Castilla-La Mancha: Albatana, Fuente-Álamo, Hellín, Montealegre del Castillo, Ontur and Tobarra. The vineyards lie on a high plateau ringed by mountains, at altitudes between 350 and 980 metres. Soils are brown, brown-calcareous and calcareous, stony and low in organic matter, with good water-retention capacity that allows the vines to withstand prolonged drought. The climate is continental, with strong sunshine and low, irregular rainfall. Monastrell accounts for the large majority of the vineyard, making Jumilla one of the world's main production areas for this variety; it is joined by tempranillo, garnacha tintorera, garnacha, cabernet sauvignon, merlot, syrah and petit verdot for red wines, and by airén, macabeo, pedro ximénez and other white varieties.

The wines of this appellation

Jumilla D.O. produces mainly red wines, dominated by monastrell, either on its own or blended with syrah, cabernet sauvignon or garnacha tintorera. Their colour is deep purple with violet edges, and the nose shows dark berries, ripe stone fruit, cherry and blackcurrant. On the palate they are structured, with present tannins and balanced acidity, giving them real ageing potential. White wines, made from airén, macabeo or sauvignon blanc, are pale yellow with green tints, fresh and aromatic, with fruity and sometimes citrus notes. Rosés range from deep pink to salmon, with a floral, fruity nose and a fresh, fruity palate. Jumilla also produces sweet monastrell wines, violet-red turning to a brick hue with age, showing notes of stewed red fruit and dried fruit, sometimes with spice. Red wines pair with red meat and game, whites and rosés with fish and tapas, and the sweet wines with desserts and blue cheese.