Monastrell from Jumilla
FEBRUARY 2026
This month's club features the grape Monastrell from the tiny Spanish region of Jumilla. The wines are from two different producers with different styles. These reds are perfect for February (and a Super Bowl party)! Let's go:
Jumilla
Pronounced hu·mi·ya, this appellation shares a border with Yecla (another Monastrell producing region that we carry at the shop) and is located south of Valencia in southeast Spain in the middle lands between the Mediterranean coast and Spain's high central plateau (Castile-La Mancha) with vineyards located between 1,300–2,600 feet.
Jumilla has a continental climate which means very hot summers and cold winters with a little mitigating influence from the Mediterranean. With little rain (average = 12 inches annually, mainly in spring and fall), the soils are sandy and low in organic material with lots of crusty limestone.
Monastrell
Though better known as Mourvèdre (grown along the French Mediterranean from Provence to Languedoc-Roussillon), historians think Monastrell is originally from vineyards around Valencia, a fact Spaniards want you to know!
Monastrell makes up 85% of Jumilla's vineyard plantings, growing quite happily in the intense heat and arid conditions of the region. Monastrell is a late ripening grape with thick skins, lots of tannins, and rich, intense flavors of dark fruits and an herbal, sometimes gamey note.
Bodegas Juan Gil
Jumilla, Spain
Brothers Ángel and Miguel Gil (pictured) together with their siblings are the fourth generation to run this 100-year old family business. They have invested heavily in sustainability, growing primarily native grapes suited to the harsh conditions, with 1000 hectares of vineyards certified organic, 48% reduction in water usage, turning compost into organic fertilizer and more. They use 100% solar power for their energy needs.
Bodegas Juan Gil 2023 Albacea Monastrell
Jumilla, Spain • Reg $16.99 | Mixed Case $13.59
100% organic Monastrell. Super inviting nose. Red & black plums, black raspberries, roasted herbs with a note of licorice. These are sunbaked grapes, and it shows up in a full, rich nose. Acidity kicks in from the beginning (which is great because this wine would be out-of-control big without it) with flavors of plums, spicy blackberries, then dark cherries & spice on the finish. Winery says to pair with grilled vegetables, jamón Serrano, and grilled goat chops (pictured bottom). Drink now to 2 years.
Bodegas Luzón Verde
Jumilla, Spain
Producing wine since the late 1800's, Bodegas Luzón is an institution in Jumilla. “We collect all the wisdom of our ancestors and respectfully combine it with existing technology to achieve perfection in our wines.”
Their vineyards are located at 2000 feet above sea level on a regional plateau surrounded by mountains.
Luzón Verde 2024 Monastrell
Jumilla, Spain • Reg $16.99 | Mixed Case $13.59
100% organic Monastrell. Aromas are intoxicating. Jens: smells like Northern Rhône to me. Dark raspberries, blackberries, dark olives, earth. Really, it smells like a Rhône. But the taste is different: blackberries, blueberries, dark plums. The acid is there! Makes this wine good for years. Finish is full of black raspberries with soft tannins. Great wine. Winery says to pair with Mediterranean salads, vegetable casseroles, pork, grilled chicken and beef, white and blue fish, rice dishes, and soft & semi-matured cheeses. Drink now to 3 years.
A Note from Jens:
Your wine club pick-up tasting is always the 2nd Saturday of the month. We host this tasting so that you can taste and learn about your wines before enjoying them at home.
We dig this month's Monastrell wines. Hope you do, too. Terrific, fuller-bodied, easy-drinking, winter reds. More Bodegas Gil vineyards pictured above.
You'll also be able to taste the FLAGSHIP club wines. Our February theme is Bordeaux, featuring a Saint-Émilion Grand Cru, a Lalande-de-Pomerol, and great Bordeaux Blanc.
Hope you can join!
Cheers,
Jens Strecker, Owner
Portalis Wine Shop
If you are here because you’re curious about our wine clubs: Here’s more general info & online sign-up. You can also peruse the last 12 months of both clubs to get a feel for the themes we pick and the wines we showcase: Portalis EXPLORES (our everyday wine club) & Portalis FLAGSHIP (our signature club).