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

Denominacion de Origen

The Denominación de Origen Yecla lies inland in the Región de Murcia, in southeastern Spain. It is the only wine region in the country made up of a single municipality, that of Yecla. The vineyards are planted between 535 and 870 metres above sea level, on limestone soils that are deep and well-drained, low in organic matter, where the high lime content sometimes forms a surface crust. The climate is dry and continental, with hot summers where temperatures can reach 39°C and harsh winters with lows close to -10°C; annual rainfall is scarce, around 300 millimetres, against high sunshine exposure of more than 3,000 hours a year. Monastrell is the leading red grape variety, joined by tempranillo, cabernet sauvignon, syrah, merlot and the black and tintorera grenaches. Macabeo leads among the white varieties, alongside chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, verdejo and viognier.

The wines of this appellation

Yecla produces red, white and rosé wines, along with some sparkling and liqueur wines, with monastrell running through its red wine production. The reds show a deep colour ranging from violet cherry to garnet, aromas of fresh or ripe fruit with good intensity, and a full, persistent, warm palate with ripe, soft tannins. Their structure allows them to age well in American or French oak barrels, which bring tile and vanilla notes with time. The whites, clear and bright, pale yellow to golden, offer fruity and floral aromas with good acidity; the rosés, salmon-pale to pink, share this fresh, balanced profile. Young, the reds pair well with grilled meats and cured meats; more mature, they suit game and aged cheeses. The whites and rosés go well with tapas, fish and seafood.