Bodegas Carchelo

Bodegas Carchelo, a three-generation family winery, was founded in 1990. It sits at the foot of the Sierra del Carche in Jumilla, Spain. Jumilla is both a town and a Denominación de Origen Protegida (DOP) in the country’s southeastern Murcia region. It is one of Spain’s leading wine regions. Human habitation here dates back to the Paleolithic Age, and over the years, the ancient land was ruled by Carthaginians, Romans, Arabs, Castillians, and others. The town is known for its hilltop castle as well as its wine.

The family is both environmentally and socially conscious, actively supporting non-profit organizations in the region. They are especially supportive of cultural and sports initiatives for youth. They believe that sports help children develop a desire to live a healthy life while boosting such personal values as commitment, effort, perseverance, respect for others, discipline, and more. Additionally, all winery activities are designed to be sustainable and to minimize any impact on the environment.

The organic winery produces only natural red wines and the family consults with the prestigious University of California at Davis for expert advice. Monastrell and Tempranillo are the primary varieties used in their wines, along with some Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

Located in the eastern part of the Baetic Mountains, 80 km from the Mediterranean and at an elevation of 600 meters above sea level, Jumilla boasts a semi-arid Mediterranean climate. The region receives about 125 days of sunshine per year, along with only about 20 days of rain, mostly in spring and autumn. An environmentally friendly trickle irrigation system using wastewater makes up for the low rainfall.

Carchelo vineyards cover 70 non-contiguous hectares spread throughout the area, presenting the advantage of varied soils, elevations, and hillside orientations. Fruit ripeness occurs at different times allowing a staggered harvest, and producing grapes with subtle differences.

Fermentation is in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. Wines are aged in as many as 1,000 barrels of top-quality French oak. Each year, 20% of the barrels are changed. An automated bottling line in the cellar maintains a constant temperature, ensuring that wines are sealed in the absence of any oxygen.