The Region of Murcia is located in southeast Spain, and has a population of 1.2 million, of whom one-third live in the capital city of Murcia.

The Phoenicians were the first civilization to populate the area, establishing a trading outpost on the Mediterranean coast. The area was subsequently conquered by the Roman empire, who named this port Cartago Nova (New Carthage), from where it’s current name of Cartagena was derived. The Arab empire was next to conquer this land, bringing with them cultural and agricultural development. Using their intricate knowledge of irrigation they transformed the arid hills and valleys into, what is still today, one of Europe’s most productive orchards. The region finally became part of Spain in 1266, when it was delivered without violence to king Jaime I, “The Conqueror”.

Jumilla is a small town and also the name of the province’s most important wine-producing region. It is a transitional area between the Mediterranean coastal region, and the high inland plateau. Located to the northwest of the capital city of Murcia, it is an area made up of wide valleys separated by chains of rocky mountains, with elevations ranging from 1,200 to 2,500 feet above sea level. These elevations mean huge temperature swings, in 24 hours they can range from 105° to 50° and back again. The area receives scarce rainfall (around 10 inches per year) and abundant sunlight (3,000 hours per year), optimal for the healthy ripening of the grapes. The soils are poor, gravelly and sandy, with a base of limestone and clay. These elements combine to produce deep rooted vines, which yield low quantities of intensely flavored grapes. The autochthones grape variety is Monastrell, better known by it’s French name Mourvèdre, which has flourished in the area for hundreds of years .

Jumilla has had an important wine making tradition for centuries. but it wasn’t until the mid 19th century that the Phylloxera plague affecting much of Europe, and particularly France, gave a boost to the region, bringing with it a significant rise in exports and enriching the local agricultural sector. In the 1877 National Wine Exhibition, held in Madrid, 25 exhibitors from Jumilla, including both wine and liqueur producers, took part. The local Oenological Research Center began operating in 1910, and in 1966 the Jumilla Denomination of Origin was created, making it one of Spain’s oldest.

From the mid 19th century up until the mid 1990’s, most of the wine produced was destined for export. These wines were usually shipped in bulk and were of a rustic character, used mainly to bring color and potency to blends. By the mid 1990’s wineries in Jumilla faced a crisis, as worldwide production soared and consumer preferences changed, the price for bulk wines dropped dramatically and local wineries saw their markets and profits erode. Many wineries closed their doors, but the remaining ones adapted, shifting their focus towards quality, estate-bottled wines.

Today, Jumilla is recognized as ones of Spain’s most promising wine regions. It has begun to receive international acclaim for its Monastrell based wines, which are conquering markets the world over.

View Finca Omblancas Location