Our group of eight wine bloggers spent a week in sunny Spain visiting wineries in the Region of Murcia. Our last day included a tour of the Museo del Vino (The Wine Museum) in D.O. Bullas. I must admit that the idea of a passive lecture in a sterile room or a tour of a museum wasn’t very enticing. For the last three days I had been walking through vineyards, chatting with winemakers, tasting wine, and more… all the while engaging in learning which satisfied all of my senses!
But upon arrival at the museum, many of the winemakers, winery owners, and export managers who I had met in the course of the week were in attendance and poised to share even more of their knowledge with us. Regional politicians were curious about “the American wine bloggers” (really!) and were front and center. I realized that this event was considered more than a simple museum visit. It was meant to conclude our trip with a recap of information about Murcia and Monastrell in a venue which is unique to the area and meet once again those who helped make this memorable trip a reality.
Located in one of the largest bodegas in the former Kingdom of Murcia, the museum is housed in the wine cellar which originated in the middle of the 19th century. Originally owned by the wealthy Melgares de Aguilar family, the large cellar is preserved with many of the original elements – truly amazing since Bullas is in an earthquake zone. The yearly production of wine in this bodegas was around 350,000 litres and distributed in 112 large earthen jars. What I found fascinating was viewing the cement tanks located underground, the old grafting machine and hand pump, and listening to the legendary stories. The exhibits focus on information about the climate and terroir of the region, characteristics of the Monastrell grape, viticultural techniques, and the winemaking process.
Daniel Gimez Alba, our presenter and winemaker working in Yecla, shared that locals once called Monastrell the “pig headed wine” in that it “kicked your head”! But now, winemakers in the Region of Murcia are “transforming the raw power of the Monastrell into elegant wine”. We all know that the grape is very well adapted to the region’s vineyards which are in a unique climate. And varieties such as Syrah, Petit Verdot, and more are cultivated and blended with Monastrell to “make wine which is sexy”. In the last fifteen years, the wines from the Region of Murcia are more concentrated and well balanced with that true Mediterranean personality (which he likened to Penelope Cruz so let your mind wander)! Finally, he felt that Monastrell is not a wine for beginners. I challenge you to pour yourself a glass and let me know if you agree!!
You may not have the opportunity to visit the Wine Museum in Bullas or even to visit wineries in the Region of Murcia, but I hope you do. There are a plethora of articles written by our group of wine bloggers and others so that you’re able to learn more. The people with whom we gathered on that last day were ready to answer any questions, offer more information about their wines. Our trip to the museum gave me yet another perspective not only about the wine and the region, but about the people who were gracious enough to share their love of the grape with me!
Next week I’ll post my last article in this series~ my own conclusion to our wonderful virtual journey to Spain’s Region of Murcia.
Cheers! ~ Cindy
You may also want to read prior posts about my visit to Spain’s Region of Murcia~
You’re Invited – A Virtual Wine Journey to Spain’s Region of Murcia, Home of Monastrell
Tasted for the Very First Time – Monastrell in D.O. Yecla
Wine for Your Weekend with Murcian Salad Canape
Lunch at Bodegas Castaño: (Quickly) Easing into the Spanish Lifestyle
Wine for Your Weekend with Goats Cheese Roll with Fig Jam
Wine for Your Weekend with Manchego Cheese and…
Jumilla and Monastrell – The Tradition Continues at Bodegas Juan Gil
Wine for Your Weekend with Spanish Omelette
Elena Selva Olivares – Rooted in Family and Wine (and someone who thinks like me!)
Wine for Your Weekend with Cauliflower Fritters
Wines from Bodegas Olivares – A Few of My Favorites
Appreciating Something Special and Unique at Bodegas Carchelo
