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While parts of Spain have been devastated by severe storms, the DO Jumilla fears a harvest loss of 50 to 80 percent due to the drought. The region's most important grape variety, Monastrell, is almost exclusively grown without irrigation and relies on rainfall. However, there has been hardly any rainfall for the past three years. As affected individuals report, the drought is bringing the vineyards to the brink of destruction and has led to an "unbearable situation." Jumilla has largely been spared from the flooding of recent days.
Although irrigation is allowed in the DO Jumilla. "But the area has no access to river water and relies solely on the groundwater, which is almost depleted," explains Esther González de Paz, head of communications for Wines of Jumilla. "The plants are suffering to the point of dying." Winemaker Paco Gil, co-owner of Gil Family Estates, said: "A little rain in September gave us a glimmer of hope. We believe that some vineyards that were on the brink of destruction were able to regain some reserves. If winter brings us more rain and somewhat cooler weather, they will recover." The small amount of grapes that could be harvested is of very high quality.
(al / Source: drinksbusiness, own research)