Bodega Conde de Montornés affiliated to Yecla Wine Route
DOP Yecla wines from grapes grown on the lower slopes of Monte Arabí
The Conde Monotornés winery in Yecla is founded on a solid tradition, having come into being in the mod-19th century under the auspices of Enrique María Trénor, the 3rd Count of La Vallesa de Mandor, 2nd Count of Montornés, 8th Count of Noroña and Grandee of Spain.
Although the main wine production centre and visitors’ centre is on the eastern outskirts of Yecla in the north of the Region of Murcia, the vineyards occupy almost 1,000 hectares of and on the lower slopes of the well-known Monte Arabí, a mountain steeped in history and legend and also included within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the prehistoric rock of this part of Spain.
This is an exceptional location just 15 km from Yecla, close to the boundaries with the provinces of Alicante and Albacete at an altitude of around 800 metres above sea level. The low annual rainfall and the high number of sunshine hours make it a privileged enclave for producing quality wines, and two large areas belonging to the country estates of Casa Don Lucio and Hoya Muñoz have been used for this purpose since the mid-19th century.
There are different soils, orientations, altitudes and water contributions, and in all of them the predominant grape variety is Monastrell (the hallmark of wine production in the Altiplano area which comprises the municipalities of Yecla and Jumilla), but there are also vineyards devoted to Alicante Bouschet, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Syrah, and Petit-Verdot vines.
The main labels produced by Bodega Conde de Montornés, which is affiliated to the Yecla Wine Route, are Uvas Contadas and Zahoría (both Monastrell reds) and Vuelapluma (a Sauvignon Blanc).
The winery and shop are located in Parque las Balsillas in Yecla, telephone 968 790138 (click here for map location).
For more local visiting information, events and news go to the home page of Yecla Today.
Address
Plaza Mayor, Casa de los Arcos, s/n 30510 YECLATel: 968 754 104
Oficina de Turismo de Yecla
Yecla is a large municipality in the north of the Region of Murcia, home to just under 35,000 people, and these days is best known for its wines, which enjoy Denomination of Origin status, and its furniture production, which has its origins in the abundance of pine trees on the mountainsides and the high plateaux.
While visitors in the 21st century may be attracted primarily by wine tourism, the town (or city, as it was proclaimed in 1878) also has a wide historical, cultural and natural heritage, and an identity quite different from the coastal areas of the Region of Murcia. For this reason it is often grouped together with its neighbour and fellow wine-producing area Jumilla as part of the Altiplano area.
Yecla borders with Castilla-La Mancha and the Region of Valencia and is closer to Alicante coastal areas than much of Murcia. These visitors come to see the historic old town itself - an atmospheric and interesting place, crammed full of history - the natural beauty of Monte Arabí, with stunning views for those who enjoy the outdoors, the gastonomy and of course the wine route.
Yecla boasts cave paintings from 10,000 years ago in Monte Arabí, a Bronze Age settlement at El Arabilejo, Iberian remains in El Pulpillo and a Roman administrative centre at Los Torrejones as well as the remnants of the 11th century Moorish castle on the hill behind the town. More modern (and complete) testimony to the past are the buildings in the town centre, which include the grandiose Basílica de la Purísima, with its striking blue dome, the archaeological museum and the attractive Plaza Mayor, where the 16th century Town Hall stands alongside the Renaissance Casa de los Alarcos, the clock tower and the old grain store.
The tourist office holds a full selection of leaflets, maps, pre-planned routes, accommodation and restaurant options and information about visiting Yecla for both individuals and groups.
There is parking close to the tourist office, although those driving to Yecla for the first time are advised to park in Calle Perales.
For further information go to the home page of Yecla Today.
Opening hours:
Tuesday to Friday 8.00 to 15.00
Saturdays 10.30 to 14.00 and 17.00 to 19.30.
Public holidays 10.30 to 14.00
Click for map, Yecla tourist office
