On Thursday, 14th March 80 members of the Wine Tasting group were treated to a visit from representatives from the Bodegas Bleda winery in Jumilla, Murcia. This family run company was begun in 1915 and their emblematic Oro Viejo won the Gold Medal at the Barcelona Universal Exposition in 1929. During the 40’s they were already exporting most of their production, mainly throughout Europe.
Currently, Bodegas Bleda is well known for producing young wines and high quality vintage wines.
The Monastrell grape is the predominant variety used, though other varieties such as Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and white varieties are also grown. The intense flavours, colours and aromas of the wines are due to the special climate and soil conditions of the region and differ from wine produced in other areas.
Our lovely, animated hostess, Maria, introduced us to six wines; two whites, one rosado and three reds.
At our table it was agreed that the first white wine, Castillo Blanco, had a nice, light flavour, but we preferred the second, the Pino Doncel Sauvignon Blanc, which was more intense. (It also had a very pretty label!)
The Castillo Rosado which had spent a short time in the barrel, we also found to be very light.
Of the three reds, the Castillo Monastrell was very good, though the Pino Doncel Black was particularly heavy. The Castillo Crianza was a mixture of Monastrell and Tempranillo and turned out to be our favourite and the one we chose to buy.
Many thanks to Brian and Pat who, once again, had organised a very pleasant evening which we all enjoyed immensely.
Review by Jennifer Nesteroff, Photos by John Snell
