The best young Spanish wine is from Murcia and only €7 a bottle

“Energetic and complex” red from Jumilla proves a favourite among experts and ordinary wine enthusiasts

The people have spoken, and not just the experts: according to the thousands of readers of the Guía Vinos Gourmets (gourmet wine guide), the “best young wine from Spain” is not only suprisingly affordable, it comes from the Region of Murcia.

Spain has some of the best value wines in the world, and those from the Jumilla Protected Designation of Origin (DOP) punch well above their weight and have a millenary history dating back to Roman times.

The votes have now been counted and the results announced for the guide’s 2026 prizes, and the 2023 Juan Gil Etiqueta Amarilla (yellow label) has walked away with the one for best young Spanish wine.

This organic wine is made entirely with Monastrell grapes, which are the calling card of the Jumilla DOP, and despite being young has a robust body that enables it to age well in the bottle.

It may look thick at a glance, but it also has a reddish trim that teases freshness.

The bouquet has a surprising combination of red and blue flowers, liquorice, pomegranate and cherries.

And the taste is no less impressive; the experts found that after letting the wine air for a short while, it was energetic and complex, leaving the woodiness in the background and letting the fruit take centre stage.

The Salón Gourmet de Madrid 2026 will provide the setting for the prizegiving ceremony, and Bodegas Juan Gil will be flying the flag for Murcia alongside some of the most renowned winemakers in the country, including Bodegas Habla (Bodega of the year), Mar de Frades (best young white) and Codorníu (best sparkling).

The prize is further encouragement for the Region of Murcia’s strategy to position itself at the centre of Spain’s gastronomic panorama. There has been a lot of talk in recent years about Murcian cuisine and the produce from its market gardens and the sea, but now the wines are returning to reclaim their place.

Image: Ruta del Vino Jumilla

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-274P+H8 Guatazales, Agrolavia, 30180 Bullas, Murcia

Tel: 0034 643 87 52 52

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Based in Bullas, northern Murcia, Guatazales is a company that offers a variety of natural products and rural experiences in the beautiful Murcia countryside.

 

They have a ‘casa rural’ country house for holiday accommodation with space to sleep up to 16 people, a secluded villa with breathtaking mountain views where you can enjoy the cooling breeze and views from the salt water pool.

 

They also offer wine tastings, horse riding, beekeeping, wine tourism, events and other experiences.

 

Guatazales also has an online store that sells organic, natural products such as premium olive oil, raw honeys and honey wine that have won awards for sustainability and which can be delivered straight to your home.

 

Guatazales takes a responsible and forward-thinking approach to beekeeping, with sustainability at the heart of everything it does. This commitment has been officially recognised through its certification under the respected Four Returns framework, which highlights efforts that generate positive outcomes not only for the environment, but also for the community and local economy.

 

They speak perfect English, so they can personally handle any requests or needs you may have.

 

Send them a message today using the contact form above to find out more about the tours, events, activities and prices they have available.