This desert-like region is located in the region of Murcia, south of Valencia. The grape that thrives the best here is "Monastrell" as it originated near the coastal towns of Valencia. In most parts of the world, Monastrell is used as a blending grape, in Jumilla they make some 100% monastrell wines the color of a moon-less night, with flavors of ripe fruit and relatively high alcohol levels. Jumilla was classified as a DO in 1966 and is known as one of the "best value" wine regions in Spain. More than half of the wine produced sells for under $15 a bottle, and scores over 90 points from Wine Spectator, Ropert Parker or Stephen Tanzer. Jumilla has being getting a lot of press since the opening of Bodegas El Nido, who is producing the regions most expensive wine in history, "El Nido" at around $130 a bottle. Top 4 wineries in this region are: Bodegas Juan Gil, Bodegas Luzon, Bodegas El Nido and Bodegas Agapito Rico.   

KEY INFORMATION ABOUT JUMILLA

• Official Denominación de Origen Year: 1966
• Acres Under Vine: 79,000
• Soil: Limestone 
• Vineyard Elevation: 1300 to 2600 Feet
• Major Grapes (Red): Monastrell, Tempranillo, Garnacha, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Petit Verdot
• Major Grapes (White): Chardonnay, Macabeo, Malvasía, Sauvignon blanc
• Estimated Wineries: 38

WEATHER IN JUMILLA

SELECTION OF JUMILLA WINES

Finca Luzon, Luzon
Region: Jumilla
Grape Varietal: 70% Monastrell, 30% Syrah
Usually Scores: 87-90
Price: $9

Bodegas Hijos de Juan Gil, Juan Gil
Region: Jumilla
Grape Varietal: 100% Monastrell
Usually Scores: 89-91
Price: $16

Bodegas El Nido, Clio
Region: Jumilla
Grape Varietal: 70% Monastrell, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon
Usually Scores: 92-97
Price: $50