Carchelo Jumilla Carchelo 2009 750ml

Winery: Carchelo

Varietal: Mourvedre

The Mourvèdre grape varietal has been grown in Europe for well over two thousand years, and is believed to have been brought to Spain by ancient Phoenician tradesman. Since those ancient times, it has been comfortably growing in several regions of France, and in recent years, has become a key New World grape varietal. It is commonly blended with Grenache and Syrah varietals, and lends an intensely fruity flavor to such blends. Mourvèdre is not the easiest grape varietal to cultivate, and requires plenty of sunshine coupled with well irrigated, moist soils. However, it is also quite vulnerable to mildew, and as such presents plenty of challenges to vintners. The grape itself holds some fascinating flavors, often described as gamey or meaty, and with plenty of deep and complex bramble fruit and earthy notes.

Country: Spain

From the deep and intense Rioja wines, or the dry and refreshing Ruedas, from Tempranillos to Verdejos, the range and quality of Spanish wines is always going to impress and fascinate. With several thousand years of traditions and expertise leading the way, Spanish wineries are currently producing some of the most flavorful and interesting wines to come out of Europe, striving to overcome the reputation problems the country suffered in the mid to late twentieth century. Despite being one of the largest producers of wine in the world, with billions of bottles being filled each year, Spanish wine producers are more interested in quality over quantity than ever before. The results of this are some truly world class wines rivaling even the finest produce of France in regards to balance, character and flavor, gaining new fans and enthusiasts every day.