Excursion vineyard
It takes a little over 1 hour. and 30 minutes to get to the winery Bodega Casa de la Ermita. From Torrevieja you turn left at Elche up into the mountains and start a little south of then drive through Murcia onto the A30 and then off onto the A33 with a view to Jumilla. Googling directions because this is in no man's land and in terms of altitude we land at the same level as the ski resort of Zell am See in the Alps, to draw a parallel.
This excursion is well suited for autumn and spring, and you spend just over half a day on the excursion. Three hours travel ToR and two on site. Time well invested in a nice experience. It is also possible to spend the night at the vineyard - but we have not tried that.
The environment
The sparse rainfall stony soils that characterize the region lead to vigorous vines that provide ripe grapes to produce full-bodied wines with. Main grapes are Petit Verdot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo, Merlot, Syrah and Monastrell all suited to the exceptional climate and soil conditions.
The vineyard is located 700 meters above sea level in a unique environment shared by local flora and fauna. On the premises there is a cellar with 4,200 barrels containing 225 liters of wine each, three wine presses, cooling and bottling equipment and enough capacity for thousands of litres.
The average time for the production process is 10 to 15 days.
Film & museum
Visit the wine museum Hacienda del Carche ~ Casa de la Ermita 1,500 m2 that tells the story of the wine culture in Jumilla - a journey through history that chronologically describes the entire process from then to now and leading up to the Monastrell experience of today. In the spring of 2022 the tour cost €20 per person which ends in the farm shop with some tasting.
Farm shop
The tour ends with the opportunity to taste wines you want to buy, and value for money is guaranteed through seasonal offers. A little tapas is served in the form of bread, olives, sausages, ham, olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Things that marry something huge with the healthy wines.
https://www.casadelaermita.com/en
https://www.haciendadelcarche.com
Text & image: Måns Löfgren, SkyBlueMedia
