This month the Bruja was invited to Jumilla and Yecla, two wine areas in the northern part of the Murcia region, bordering the province of Albacete in the southeast of the peninsula.

Few months ago, the Bruja sampled a Jumilla wine, the larger and better known of the two region. This month we present a Yecla wine, from the largest producer in Yecla, Bodegas La Purísima.

Yecla and Jumilla feature rugged, arid terrains with mainly continental climate but influenced by the Mediterranean climate; scorching summers and mild winters.

The regions’ soil, a mix of limestone, chalk, and clay, contributes distinct mineral nuances to the Monastrell grapes, the dominant grape in both regions.

Monastrell thrives in this area, withstanding the long, sunny, hot and dry days, with significant day/night temperature variation, contributing to development of the grapes and producing wines with bold structure and robust fruity flavours of dark berries: blackberry, black cherry, and plum, and spice: black pepper, liquorice, and clove.

Our wine is a rare find. Monastrell based blends are not unusual in the two regions, but with one third of the blend made
with Merlot, this wine is special. Merlot, the ever-so-important Bordeaux grape, made famous, or infamous, by the 2004 movie Sideways, is rather uncommon in Spanish wines.

The bodega poetically describes Filarmonia like made up of three notes, Monastrell, Syrah and Merlot, with almost equal proportions, living together in perfect balance. And indeed they do. The wine bright cherry red with hints of violet on the rim.

The nose is a melody of ripe almost jammy blackberry and plum aromas, the sweetness of the Syrah coming through. On the palate, the harmony of a smooth full body, perfect tannin-acidity balance, with a long spicy finish. A most agreeable wine, exceptional value for money.

Serve at 15-17oC on it own or with pork a la brasa; paella; semi-mature cheese. Would also go with some fish, like bonito with pisto.

(News/Wine Feature: Jumilla wines)