Yecla is a town in eastern Spain, located at the northern tip of the autonomous community of Murcia. It’s a medium-sized town, typically home to just over 35,000 people.
Yecla—along with Bullas and Jumilla—is also one of the three PDO wine regions (denominaciones de origen/DOs) of Murcia. While all three of these regions remain somewhat obscure, each produces rich, red wines based on the Monastrell (Mourvèdre) grape variety as well as small amounts of Monastrell-based rosado and even smaller amounts of white wine, sparkling wine, and vino de licor (sweet, fortified wine).
The white wines of Murcia—including those of the Yecla DO—are allowed to be made using a short list of white grapes; approved varieties include Macabeo (Viura), Airén, Malvasía Aromática (Malvasía Sitges), Chardonnay, Moscatel de Grano Menudo (Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains), and Sauvignon Blanc. The Yecla DO also allows the use of Verdejo.
Now for a news flash: as of March 1 (2024), the EU has approved the use of Viognier in the white wines of the Yecla DO.
The Yecla area is located about 50 miles inland from the Mediterranean Coast and as such, experiences a dry, continental climate with some mild Mediterranean influences. The limestone soils of the region ensure that it is an ideal area for the cultivation of warm-climate-friendly vines—and Viognier is a perfect fit.
According to the proposal to amend the regulations of the Yecla DO, “a study has been carried out which shows that the Viognier variety is perfectly adapted to our region and the quality of its wines. The study also shows that the characteristics laid down in the product specification for wines under this PDO are maintained. The inclusion of this variety is also justified by current market demand.”
The wines of Yecla may be produced (and labeled) as mono-varietal wines and/or blends. We look forward to trying Yecla Viognier in the future!
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Post authored by Jane A. Nickles…your blog administrator: jnickles@societyofwineeducators.org