Wine & Words

Regular Price $19.00
Bodegas Carchelo was founded in the early 1980s in one of the earliest efforts to bring Jumilla into the age of modern wine production. Intensive research led to the introduction of international varieties such as Syrah, Cabernet and Merlot, aided by the first scientific use of water in this, the most arid wine region of Spain. Achieving a fresher style, by the early 1990s Carchelo's rich young red achieved unprecedented international success.
Located at altitudes between 2000 and 3500 feet in the transition between Spain's coastal plain and inland La Mancha, Jumilla's aridity combines to result in fresh nighttime temperatures during the hot growing season. Chalky and clay soils offer ideal footing for the red varieties. At under eight inches of rain per year, grape health is seldom a problem. 700 acres of estate vineyards are planted to Monastrell (Mourvèdre, both ungrafted head-pruned and wire trained vineyards), Syrah, Tempranillo, Cabernet and Merlot, and are located in a wide variety of subregions, altitudes and exposures, reducing the risk of frequent hail damage in the area. The wine is a blend of Jumilla's signature red grape Monastrell (French Mourvedre) Carchelo "C" 200740% with Syrah 40% and Cabernet Sauvignon 20%. The wines are vinified separately then blended to create a mix that compliments the characteristics of each grape - big, dark depth from the Monastrell, black fruit and spiciness from the Syrah, and a backbone of structure from the Cabernet Sauvignon. Then the blend is oak-aged for 24 months. If you like a big red wine with a complexity of flavor that makes you sit up and take notice but that is well-balanced and sophisticated, you need to discover the wines of Jumilla.