Murcia

Located in the southeast of Spain, the wine region of Murcia is nestled between Andalusia, Valencia, and the Mediterranean Sea. Comprising small mountains and arid coastal valleys, its fertility makes it the largest producer of fruits and vegetables in Europe. The cultivation of vines is said to date back to the time of the Phoenicians. Most of its 32,000 hectares of vineyards are planted near the coastal areas and in some inland valleys. In this hot and dry climate, there are limestone, clayey-sandy, and loamy soils. Murcia boasts three Designations of Origin (DO): Jumilla, Bullas, and Yecla. Regardless of the appellation, the Monastrell grape (Mourvèdre) represents 85% of cultivated vines. Other red grape varieties include Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah. The most important white grape varieties are Macabeo, Airen, Malvoisie, and Chardonnay. The omnipresent and intense sunlight gives Murcia’s wines an intensity and flavor that stands out. Monastrell wines are renowned for their power and warmth and are regularly blended with other red grape varieties from the region. Less known than wines from other wine regions of Spain, Murcia’s wines are gradually gaining recognition thanks to a better understanding and exploitation of the terroirs and the improvement of winemaking techniques, offering us quality wines to discover.