One of the D.O areas in the north of Murcia is Yecla which is situated on the high plains and where grapes flourish in the clean mountain air. D.O., or Denominación de Origin schemes protect the quality and integrity of fine wines, with strict requirements required at all stages of production.
Vines were brought to this area by the Phoenicians back in the mists of history and the Romans, who liked a drop of wine after a good session at the gladiator arena, planted many vineyards. Remains have been found of a bodega that dates back to the first century A.D. and which was in use until the end of the 15th century. Don´t worry, there are plenty of other bodegas and vineyards to visit today. The tradition of fine wines continues and the area produces about five million liters a year.
The D.O. zone covers some 6,600 hectares and mostly red wines are produced, accounting for 92.5 per cent of the planted area. The main vine is Monastrell, which is well suited to the high plains climate. Other varieties include, Garnacha tinta, Garnacha Tintorera, Tempranillo, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. White wines are made with Airen, Merseguera, Macabeo, Malvasía and Chardonnay grapes. Some rose wine is also made.
An expert description of the Yecla Monastrell wines notes: “Presents a violet cherry colour with garnet tones. Aromatic, offering different notes of fruits, robust in the mouth, warm, tannic and smooth, very well balanced and finished.”
About half of Yecla exports go to Germany, with the United Kingdom taking 20 per cent, and Holland another 20 per cent. But the wine is exported all over the world, including to China and Japan (there are three Chinese restaurants in Yecla).
If you would like to visit Yecla bodegas and vineyards, here are some contact details. But you will have to speak Spanish or get a Spanish-speaking friend to call.
Cooperativa del Vino de Yecla, La Purisma, telephone (34) 968 751 257, www.calpyecla.com, direccion@bodegaslapurisma.com; Consejo Regulador D.O. Yecla, telephone (34) 968 792 353, www.yeclavino.com, consejo@yeclavino.com; Bodegas Antonio Candela e Hijos S.L, telephone (34) 968 790 381, www.bodegascandela.com, www.barahonda.com, bodcandela@inicia.es; Bodegas Castaño S.L, telephone (34) 968 791 115, www.bodegascastano.com, info@bodegascastano.com; Señorio de Barahonda S.L, telephone (34) 968 718 696, www.barahonda.com, info@barahonda.com.
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©Phillip Bruce 2009.
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