Why it matters
The producer
Pino Doncel and Castillo de Jumilla divide Bodegas Bleda's labels. Pino Doncel is the red line, while Castillo de Jumilla is the historic flagship brand with white and Reserva expressions. The two names cover the house's red and white bottles.
In 1915 Antonio Bleda laid the foundations of the current company from a small family business that made wine and oil. He put the bodega's own produce into bottle, making Bodegas Bleda the first bodega in Jumilla to do so. The range includes wines under the Pino Doncel and Castillo de Jumilla names.
Place and vineyards
Where the wines begin
Jumilla appears as the appellation on Pino Doncel Vintage and Castillo de Jumilla Blanco, placing the range in Murcia, Spain. Castillo de Jumilla takes its name from the emblematic castle monument in Jumilla. The use of that name was secured before the Spanish Civil War, and the local landmark is part of the brand wording.
In the cellar
Vineyards and cellar
The oak aged Pino Doncel expression combines Monastrell and Cabernet Sauvignon and spends time in French and American oak. Oak ageing brings gradual oxygen contact and can add vanilla and cacao notes while softening tannin. In this expression, the oak is well integrated.
Wines to know
The range in view
The Pino Doncel line is divided into Black, 12 Months and 24 Months, with Pino Doncel Vintage also carrying Jumilla on the label. Black is the named red expression without a month count, while the other two labels state ageing periods. Castillo de Jumilla covers Blanco and Reserva, a white wine and a red Castillo de Jumilla bottle under the historic brand. Oro Viejo is another named wine in the house's range.
The shorter aged Pino Doncel red is deep cherry red in the glass. Its aromas are intense and complex, led by sweet spices and ripe fruit. The palate brings oak derived spice, fruit and ripe tannins, with good volume through the finish.