Exploring Wine Regions in Murcia: A Journey Along the Monastrell Wine Route, Passing Through Jumilla, Bullas, and Yecla
The España vibe is calling, and a visit to Spain conjures up dreams of Gaudi's mesmerizing structures, the Alhambra's grandeur, the northern mountains' rugged charm, or the golden coastlines that never seem to end. But Spain is not just about seeing; it's about feeling, and that feeling lies in its food, wine, and the experiences that come with them.
For food lovers, Spanish cuisine is more than a meal – it's a lifestyle steeped in tradition. From the languid mornings spent savoring café con leche to the indulgent lunches uniting families and friends, Spanish tables are graced with some renowned wines – Rioja, Cava, Albariño – that are known worldwide.
Yet, there's a lesser-known red grape worth your attention - Monastrell, hailing from the Region of Murcia. Rich, delicious, and wallet-friendly, this low-sprawling grape is primarily harvested in the Denominación de Origen of Yecla, Jumilla, and Bullas, forming the Murcia Wine Route. If you're searching for an off-the-beaten-path experience, take a detour here.
Hop between unpopulated wine cellars, indulge in lavish tasting and pairing menus at prices that won't break the bank, and meet the wine-makers of this dry, arid region that lends the grape a unique flavor thanks to the micro-climate. The beauty of this wine route lies in its blend of the traditional and modern, with old underground cellars contrasting funky, innovative wine producers.
Monastrell has easily become one of my favorite wines and is the only one I regularly import for home enjoyment. Agriculture is a significant focus in the Region of Murcia, and the accomplishments are even more impressive given the arid soil. Originally known as 'Europe's Orchard' due to the sheer number of fruits grown here, whites and roses are now sharing the stage with the red wines that truly shine here.
Wine events take place throughout the year, enhancing your visit to the Murcia Wine Route. From the lengthy harvest season to Tapas Months and Easter Celebrations, timing your trip to the Murcia Wine Route comes with the added bonus of experiencing these events.
Kick off your wine tour in Yecla, the most favored destination on the route. Here, you'll find a blend of charming bars, delightful tapas, and picturesque vineyards. If you prefer not to drive, book a night nearby, as taxis are available in all communities.
Visit Barahonda Winery, a beautiful estate that's been family-run for almost a century. With an extensive tasting and wine pairing menu, our lunch worth €40 was a steal compared to what you'd pay in the Rioja region or France for similar experiences. The standout wine for me here was the organic and vegan Barahonda that features a unique cotton label.
Castán Winery is another must-visit in Yecla. Led by Raquel Ortuño, the 90-minute tour showcases the original vats built into the walls and ceiling, followed by tasting four of the estate's finest wines. Be sure to try the 100% Monastrell Hurcula, named after Yecla's Roman name.
Don't miss the Yecla Tapas Route, an annual festival offering wallet-friendly €2.50 tapas plates and glasses of indigenous wine. It's well worth collecting your ‘passport’ and working your way through all the participating restaurants.
Next up, Jumilla – the most well-known Denominación de Origen in Murcia – is another fantastic tasting stop on the Murcia Wine Route. Visit Casa Rojo Winery, a modern, glass-faced building boasting a signature chic setting with a touch of personality and passion.
Finally, Bullas serves as an alternative starting point for doing the wine route in reverse, with the added bonus of the wine museum. Here, you can learn about the history and production methods of the Murcian wine.
So, raise a glass to the unique flavors of Monastrell and indulge in the authentic experiences that the Murcia Wine Route has to offer. Salud!
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- For travel enthusiasts seeking an off-the-beaten-path food and wine experience, the arid Region of Murcia in Spain offers the Murcia Wine Route, where Monastrell, a lesser-known red grape, thrives and creates unique flavors due to the micro-climate.
- Immersing oneself in the Spanish culture extends beyond sightseeing to indulging in traditional lifestyles, such as leisurely mornings sipping café con leche or enjoying lavish lunches paired with renowned Spanish wines like Rioja, Cava, Albariño, and the region's rising star, Monastrell.
