Jumilla Wine Route, Bodegas Ribera del Juá

Fine ecologically produced Monastrell wines from the winery just 6 km outside Jumilla

The winery of Bodegas Ribera del Juá was built in 2008 close to the mountains of Sierra de las Cabras on the bank of what used to be the old course river Juá. Occupying over 2,000 square metres, it is built primarily with stone quarried from the mountains themselves, preserving the natural temperatures of the land itself both in summer and in winter.

Although the exterior is reminiscent of classical rural buildings, inside is a host of state-of-the-art technology, allowing a capacity of 200,000 kilos of grapes at the selection table. All bleeding and transport is achieved through gravity, eliminating potentially harmful processes such as reception in hoppers, transport in augers, pumps and long pipes.

The use of gravity also helps to reduce continuous frictions, breakage of grains and skins and unnecessary oxidations, helping Bodegas Ribera del Juá to produce more natural wines. This has led to the awarding of a Certificate of Craft and Ecological Wine Production by the regional government of Murcia.

The river Juá

In the past this old current of water that ran from north to south marked the edge of the municipality of Jumilla. The river was fed by the water channels of the Alquería, the Cingla and the Jimena, and the main sources were the Cerco and the Pradico Somero. Alongside it stood the fountains of Tragapán and La Pila and the thermal waters of the Cuesta de la Parra (today Baños de Campa).

As the water flowed south it eventually reached the Rambla del Judío in Cieza before joining the River Segura.

On its way, when the channel reached the spot known as "Albar" it joined with the waters of the lagoon of the "Prado", flowing freely throughout the entire "Cañada del Judío" until they created a new channel in the municipal area of Cieza.

In times of heavy rain, floodwater still flows in the Juá, but only occasionally. In the past, however, it was a source of prosperity for Jumilla and was one of the geographical features which attracted settlers from the Lower Paleolithic to the time of the Romans. In the 15^th century the water was channelled to irrigate local orchards and to supply the town, and this continued until the late 20^th century.

The wines of Bodegas Ribera del Juá

Ribera del Juá Cosecha: this young vintage red is made with Monastrell, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes and has an intense violet-burgundy colour. Fruity aromas, fine and sweet, ideal to accompany rice dishes, baked fish and many kinds of meat. 88 points Peñín guide 2018.

Ribera del Juá oak: matured in French and American oak barrels, the combination of Monastrell, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon was awarded 90 points in the Peñín guide 2018.

Ribera del Juá Crianza 7 meses: Matured for seven months in French and American oak barrels, another combination of Monastrell, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. 91 points Peñín guide 2018, Bacchus de Plata 2018 Unión Española de Catadores, 90 points Silver medal Decanter Awards 2019.

Ribera del Juá - Selección 2017: Crianza red wine aged for 12 months in French and American oak barrels, with aromas reminiscent of vanilla, cocoa and nuts as well as licorice and black fruit. Ideal with cheeses, sausages and all kinds of meat. 91 points Peñín guide 2018, Bacchus de Plata 2019.

Ribera del Juá white 2018: an organic Moscatel white to accompany rice, pasta, fish and seafood.

Visiting the winery, guided tours and tastings

Bodegas Ribera del Juá are pleased to welcome visitors and tailor their offer to the requirements of each group: please contact them to arrange tours.

Contact details

Bodegas Ribera del Juá is located just 6 kilometres north of Jumilla on the road leading to Albatana (see map below)

Address: Ctra. Jumilla - Albatana Km 6, 30520 JUMILLA

Telephone: (+34) 868 087 091

Email: info@bodegasriberadeljua.com / eventos@bodegasriberadeljua.com

Opening hours: Monday – Friday 9.00 to 16.00

For more local visiting information as well as news and events go to the home page of Jumilla Today.