Jumilla and Monastrell ~ The Tradition Continues at Bodegas Juan Gil

After swirling, sipping, and socializing at an al fresco lunch under the clear sunny skies of  Yecla, our group of American wine bloggers traveled a brief distance to Jumilla in the Region of Murcia to taste and appreciate more Monastrell.  Regulated since 1966, D.O. Jumilla has more than 27,400 hectares of registered vineyards in vast plains and valleys surrounded by mountains.  With Moorish architecture and a rich tradition of viticulture since before the Roman conquests this was a land which frankly, looked as much like Arizona as Spain.  A Continental climate of searing summer heat, freezing winter temperatures, and very low yearly rainfall help produce grapes with rich flavors and colors.  And thanks to the chalky, sandy, and rocky soil the vines are able to retain moisture and thrive.   Varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot, Petit Verdot and more are grown yet Monastrell reigns.  In fact, Jumilla is the largest producer of Monastrell in the world. Winemakers are offering wines in a variety of styles which will satisfy any wine lover who appreciates outstanding quality at an affordable price.

Our final destination of the day was the winery, Bodegas Juan Gil.   The tradition of winemaking began in 1916 when Juan Gil Gimenez, the great-grandfather of the current generation, built the original winery in Jumilla.  Continuing the family endeavor was Juan Gil Guerroro and his sons, Juan Gil Gonzalez and brother Paco both of whom “forged an image of quality, reliability, and efficiency” to the winery.  The fourth generation is now working diligently to continue the tradition.  Maintaining while improving the quality of wines by linking technology with honored practices as well as retaining consumer loyalty are paramount to this group of winemakers and owners.

Loren Gil, Export Manager, was the member of this next generation who led our band of bloggers through a tour of this very modern, beautiful facility and a tasting of expressive wines.  Loren (and yes, after wine we all were on a first name basis!) was soft spoken and an excellent ambassador of the brand.  He explained that most of the wine produced on the estate is organic which is relatively easy to grow because of the climate…there is no mold, mildew, or phlox.  With over 350 hectares of vineyards, 120 hectares are at the winery.  Nearby farmers provide more grapes from their vineyards.  Wine is exported to many countries yet Scandinavia and Germany are the recipients of most.  Fortunately, I have been able to locate several of my favorites here in the United States.  You may want to check out their website for more detailed information and if you have attended Wine Spectator’s Grand Tasting, you will have seen Loren Gil at their tasting table and hopefully had a chance to enjoy their wine!

Gil Family Estates is comprised of seven wineries from six different appellations in Spain.  Each has its own winemaker, but the management team remains in Jumilla.  Bodegas Juan Gil and Bodegas El Nido, both of which are in D.O. Jumilla, Bodegas Ateca in D.O. Calatayud, Cellers Can Blau in D.O. Montsant, Bodegas Atalaya in D.O. Almansa, Bodegas Tridente  in V.T. Castilla Y Leon), Bodegas Y Vinedos Shaya  in D.O. Rueda, and Orowines located in D.O. Jumilla/Rias Baixas) are the wineries from which consumers around the world may find delicious expressions of Monastrell and more!

My favorites of the afternoon were…

**Juan Gil 12 2011 – With a silver label surrounding the bottle of 100% Monastrell, you’ll be able to find this wine at your local wine shop.  Aged in barrels for twelve months, aromas of more earth than fruit and tastes which were full of tannins, tar, and deep plums, the finish was lingering! Another review of the 2011 accompanied by a tapas pairing can be found here.  You may find this wine at a variety of restaurants in the United States or at your local wine shop.  The price is around $15.

**Juan Gil 18 2010 – At the winery we tasted the 2010 vintage consisting of 60% Monastrell, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Syrah.  Aged for eighteen months in French and American oak barrels, I loved the rich red fruit on the nose and the chewy tannins and structure.  Big and bold, the wine was toned down with the fruit notes and with 15.5% alcohol, this will be perfect with a rich potato stew or…after a hard day of work! Cost is around $30.

**Clio – I had to put a gold star on my tasting notes for this blend of 70% Monastrell and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon.  Aged for twenty four months in new French and American oak barrels, the deep red fruit tickled my nose and the *spice*, earth, tannins on my tongue were perfect.  With long legs and unforgettable body, the finish offered up plenty of vanilla and more spice.  One member of our group called it his “candy” and I must agree…apparently enough to keep tasting and forget to take a picture!!  You can find this in your wine shop for around $40. and perhaps less.

**Corteo 2009– OK, maybe this isn’t Monastrell, but the 100% Syrah was incredible.  Only 900 bottles of this wine with the eye-catching label were produced.  Grapes were from vineyards at 700 meters above sea level and on sloping land facing the northwest.  The aromas exhibited a lovely blend of earth and fruit and as Loren Gil stated, “If you love Syrah, you’ll love this.”  Red fruit, smooth, satisfying finish, this wine was aged for thirty months in new French oak barrels.  The cost is most likely to be determined at around $90.

After fond farewells, our group returned to our hotel, Le Rincon de Pepe in Murcia.  Three wineries, a memorable lunch, and friendships formed seemed for a few seconds, enough for the day. But the evening was looming and we realized that we needed something more…Cava with a late night dinner in Murcia was the start of our own tradition!

Continue the virtual journey to the Region of Murcia (perhaps your tradition now?) in my next article focusing on two more wineries, each with their own style, from D.O. Jumilla.  And see below for links to my prior posts…

Cheers! ~ Cindy

You’re Invited – A Virtual Wine Journey to Spain’s Region of Murcia, Home of Monastrell

Tasted for the Very First Time – Monastrell in D.O. Yecla

Wine for Your Weekend with Murcian Salad Canape

Lunch at Bodegas Castaño: (Quickly) Easing into the Spanish Lifestyle

Wine for Your Weekend with Goats Cheese Roll with Fig Jam

Wine for Your Weekend with Manchego Cheese and…