The Gil family have been producers in Jumilla since the early 20th century but took a major step forward when Miguel Gil, great-grandson of the company’s founder, built a new bodega in time for the 2003 vintage. Situated on the slopes of the Pearrubia mountain, the highest part of Jumilla with poor stony soils noted for its richly flavoured, concentrated Monastrell, the bodega owns over 750 hectares of vineyards (mainly bush vines, unirrigated and of very low yield, of indigenous clones from their own nursery) and has access to further fruit from 30 to 70 year old vines. Bodegas Juan Gil is dedicated to producing powerful yet approachable and modern wines, mainly based on Monastrell, which is grown on 85% of the vineyard – other varieties grown are Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot and Petit Verdot.

Bodegas Juan Gil are committed to respecting the land, and to use energy and natural resources efficiently with regard to their winery, vineyards and wines they produce. A large part of their vineyards are farmed organically, and they hold Sustainable Wineries for Climate Protection certification at the highest level – Spanish Wineries for Emission Reduction. This has an even greater requirement for qualifying wineries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, energy use, and their carbon footprint, and to show continuous improvement. Only a handful of Spanish wineries, including Juan Gil, have so far attained this category. In early 2023 Bodegas Juan Gil were awarded International Wineries for Climate Action to the Gold Standard one of only 6 gold members globally. IWCA Gold is the highest industry standard in carbon emission reduction.

Vineyards

Grapes come from 40 year old bush vines. Vineyards are 700 metres above sea level to the north east of Jumilla, on sandy, chalky, rocky soil.

Vinification

The grapes were hand-harvested. Fermented in stainless steel. Aged in French and American oak for around 4 months.

Tasting Notes

Jumilla is a tough place to be a vine, yet these old bush vines, high in the hot, dusty hills of Jumilla produce characterful and fruit-packed wines from the local Monastrell grape. An easy style of Monastrell, the Yellow label tends more towards red fruit characters – fresh, juicy and bright.

The nose has rich plum and bramble characters, with delicate vanilla spice and cedar. The palate has layers of ripe fruit, blackcurrant, blackberry, spicy plum and cherry, and fine tannins balanced by bright acidity.

Made for hearty meat and vegetable stews or roast pork.