It has a hot climate, but the cool nights and high altitude bring a large diurnal range which help the grapes retain freshness.
The majority of Jumilla’s Monastrell vines are ungrafted, as phylloxera has never infiltrated these soils. 90% of the vineyards are also organic – again the warm temperatures and low humidity mean that there is less need for pesticides.
Red grape varieties
Monastrell accounts for 77% of all red grapes here, but the region also grows Tempranillo, Syrah, Garnacha Tintorera (Alicante Bouschet), Cab Sauv, Garnacha (Grenache), Merlot
and Petit Verdot.
White grape varieties
White varieties grown include 2.6% Airén, Macabeo, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Moscatel de Grano Menudo (Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains), Verdejo & Pedro Ximenez and Malvasia.
