📍 Murcia

Murcia is a hot region in south-eastern Spain, by the Mediterranean. It is a wine area with three DO zones: Jumilla, Yecla and Bullas. Summers are very dry and hot with little rain, so vineyards often grow without irrigation.

The main red grape is Monastrell (Mourvèdre). It copes well with heat and drought, giving thick, dark, tannic wines with black-berry and spice aromas. Monastrell from old vines can be deep and long-lived. Other grapes include Garnacha Tintorera, Syrah and Tempranillo; whites include Macabeo, Airén, Chardonnay and Muscat. Sweet wines and rosés are made too.

Jumilla is known for rich reds, Yecla for wines from old Monastrell, and Bullas is a small zone around the town of the same name. There is also the Campo de Cartagena designation on the coast. The climate of Murcia is very sunny and the grapes are adapted to drought.

Murcia wines are often inexpensive compared with famous regions, which makes them a good find. Alicante and Almería, also hot and dry, lie nearby. Monastrell pairs well with rice, cured sausages and grilled meat, and sweet versions are served with desserts and cheese.