Murcia

The autonomous region with the capital of the same name is located in the southeast of Spain on the Mediterranean Sea, which is part of the Spanish landscape Levante. It covers 11,314 km² and is surrounded by the regions of Valenciana, Castilla-La Mancha and Andalusia. Other well-known cities are Cartagena and Lorca. 20 km from Yecla is the "Monti Arabí", a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There, in the cave "Cueva del Mediodía", there are 10,000-year-old cave paintings.

History

The region has always been somewhat overshadowed by its larger neighbouring regions. There were hardly any Roman or Phoenician influences. The Moors occupied the area for over 500 years, vines were planted mainly for sultana production.

Climate & Soils

Vines are mainly grown in the hilly to mountainous interior and only to a small extent on the Mediterranean coast. With about 300 days of sunshine per year, the region is one of the driest and hottest areas in Europe with a shortage of water, which is why artificial irrigation is essential. Summer temperatures often exceed 40 °Celsius; winters are relatively mild. Calcareous and clayey soils predominate, as well as alluvial soils on the coast.

Vineyards

The vineyards cover about 23,000 hectares. The red wine varieties Monastrell, Syrah, Cencibel (Tempranillo), Garnacha Tinta, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, as well as the white wine varieties Airén, Moscatel de Alejandría (Muscat d'Alexandrie), Pedro Ximénez, Merseguera and Verdil are permitted.

Wine-growing areas

There are three DO areas (quality wines) and two IGP areas (local wines):

• Bullas (DO)
• Campo de Cartagena (IGP)
• Jumilla (DO)
• Murcia (IGP)
• Yecla (DO)