The Mediterranean Levante – Valencia, Alicante, Jumilla, Yecla & Bullas
The Mediterranean Levante
Valencia • Alicante • Jumilla • Yecla • Bullas
1. Overview
The Mediterranean Levante is the sunny eastern part of Spain, stretching from the coast near Valencia and Alicante inland to Jumilla, Yecla, and Bullas.
It is famous for the black grape Monastrell (Mourvèdre), which loves heat and dry weather.
The region now makes a wide range of wines — from fruity reds to fresh whites and even a historic sweet style called Fondillón.
2. Climate & Landscape
- Very hot summers and dry conditions
- Low rainfall, lots of sunshine
- Higher vineyards inland (up to 900 m) give cooler nights
- Soils are mostly limestone, helping wines stay fresh and structured
This mix of heat and altitude creates wines that are ripe but not heavy.
3. Main Wine Regions
Valencia DO
Makes fresh white wines and fruity reds.
- White grapes: Merseguera, Verdil, Moscatel
- Red grapes: Monastrell, Tempranillo
- Known for: citrusy whites and soft, easy reds
Alicante DO
Home to both coastal vineyards and warm inland areas.
- Famous wine: Fondillón — a sweet, unfortified wine aged for at least 10 years
- Main red grape: Monastrell
- Flavours: rich, warm, spicy reds
Jumilla DO
High, dry plateau; one of Spain’s best places for Monastrell.
- Produces bold reds with lots of flavour but good freshness
- Famous producers: Casa Castillo, Juan Gil
Yecla DO
Small DO, almost all Monastrell.
- Wines are floral, aromatic, and structured
- High-altitude vineyards keep the wines fresh
Bullas DO
The coolest and highest area.
- Makes the lightest and most floral Monastrell
- Great place for elegant, red-fruited wines
4. Main Grapes
| Grape | Colour | What It Tastes Like |
|---|---|---|
| Monastrell | Black | Dark fruit, herbs, firm tannins |
| Garnacha | Black | Red fruit, spice, warmth |
| Merseguera | White | Lemon, fennel, soft stone fruit |
| Verdil | White | Floral, aromatic, citrusy |
| Moscatel | White | Very aromatic, orange blossom, fruity |
Monastrell is the star — it grows well in hot, dry places and makes powerful but increasingly fresh wines.
5. Styles of Wine
- Reds: Full and fruity, often with herbal notes; fresher at higher altitudes
- Whites: Crisp, citrusy, sometimes floral
- Rosés: Fruity and refreshing
- Sweet/oxidative wine: Fondillón (Alicante) — rich, nutty, and unique
6. Wines Worth Trying
- Jumilla Monastrell (e.g., Casa Castillo, Juan Gil)
- Fondillón from Alicante — historic and distinctive
- Bullas high-altitude Monastrell for a lighter style
- Valencia Merseguera for a fresh, local white
7. Summary
The Mediterranean Levante is a warm, sunny region making flavourful and increasingly refined wines.
It is the home of Monastrell, producing everything from bold reds to elegant high-altitude styles.
With unique traditions like Fondillón and new focus on local white grapes, it is one of Spain’s most exciting wine regions to explore.
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