Murcia

DO named after the city of the same name, located in the Murcia wine-growing region in the Levante in Spain. The total vineyard area is 41.300 hectares, making Jumilla one of the largest Dos in Spain. The vineyards are located at an altitude of 400 to 800 metres above sea level. The area has sandy soils with a limestone bedrock, which meant that it was spared the phylloxera infestation in the 19th century. Mainly red wines are produced here, from the key grape variety Monastrell (85% of the vineyard area), Cencibel (Tempranillo), Garnacha (Grenache), Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The white wines are made from Airén, Macabeo and Merseguera. There is also a tradition of naturally sweet wines produced from overripe Pedro Ximénez or Monastrell grapes. In some cases the Doble Pasta technique is still applied.