2016 D.O. Jumilla Monastrell Castillo de Jumilla, Murcia, Spain
Wine-growing in Spain has an ancient tradition, as vines were already cultivated 3000 years before Christ. The Phoenicians founded the city of Gadir (Cádiz) around 1100 B.C. and carried on lively trade in wine in the Mediterranean. The first flourishing was in 200 B.C., because the Romans loved the wine from Baetica (Andalusia). The development was stopped by the invasion of the Moors in 711. For religious reasons the Muslims cleared large parts of the vineyards or only allowed the production of raisins. They brought with them the art of distillation, but this was not used for alcoholic drinks, but essential oils, as...
The red grape variety originates from Spain. The approximately 100 synonyms testify to its great age and wide distribution. The most important of them, grouped alphabetically by country, are (the other main names are marked in bold) Mataro(Australia, California); Balsac Noir, Balthazar, Balzac Noir, Balzar, Beausset, Bon Avis, Catalan, Clairette Noire, Damas Noir, Espagnen, Espar, Marseillais, Morvede, Mourvede, Mourvedon, Mourvèdre, Murviedro, Plant de Ledenon, Plant de Saint Gilles (France); Negria (Greece); Rossola Nera (Corsica); Alcallata, Alcayata, Alicante, Benada, Benadu, Bani Carlo, Berardi,...
