Murcia: Soul of a Land
The Murcia region of Spain attracts millions of tourists every year, mostly for its pristine beaches bathed by the warm Mediterranean climate. But, Murcia is also rightly known for its cuisine – and soon, its wine.
Located in Southeastern Spain, the history of the region alone could account for its gastronomy. The original Iberian tribes formed commercial relationships with the Phoenicians and Greeks, then the region became a Carthaginian colony taken over by the Moors. All of these various influences created a culinary perfusion of stews, salads, and baked meat and rice dishes. Finally, there was the obvious connection to the Mediterranean – which spawned a host of seafood delicacies. However, what would be a Spanish meal without a good wine to accompany it.
Thus far, the wines from Murcia have not been very well-known to the public, yet they are well worth discovering. Murcia is the home of the Monastrell grape variety, also known as Mourvèdre in France and Mataro in Australia. Believed to have been introduced to the Iberian peninsula by the Phoenicians, Monastrell does quite well in the hot arid region, producing a rich and powerful wine. Bodegas dot the wine routes between Bullas, Jumilla and Yecla, and offer plenty of opportunity to the visitor to experience the best the region has to offer.
GrapeRadio is proud to present a brief look at the cuisine, the people, and the wines of Murcia, Spain. Join us for a close-up of this beautiful region, rich in history, respectful of the past, and looking to the future.
Sponsor: Millesima, Fine Wine Merchants: www.millesima-usa.com
Wow! I want to go to Spain! I loved the soundtrack music!! I was hoping for a little more specific and technical information about the wines, but I must say I am thoroughly enjoying your website! Great job!
Thanks Eric,
We will be posting more videos about Murcia in the near future that may address having more wine info.
Jay
Jay,
This was a nicely done video! Wow. Growing Mourvedre/Mataro myself of all places, Missouri, it was fanastic to see old,old vines with lovely bunches. I could spot the leaf configuration and large bunches a mile away. Salute.
Michael
Thanks Michael,
In hindsight, I should have brought you back some trouser cuttings.
Jay
Hi guys
You know I have been watching your blog for three years now.Always enjoy it.Love the way you make your videos.Just to let you know,it’s important to note that most of the foods from southern europe like mostly spain has it’s roots from Morocco and Algeria.Many of the so called french style of cooking takes it’s roots from north africa,but they don’t want to admitt it today.That’s a little sad because southern europe was controlled before by arabs and then europeans controlled north africa in colonialism.I just hope the french in particular would admitt it.Anyway love your videos.
Roland
Sommelier
Jay and fellows,
Love Graperadio! This video is spectacular, the music superb. I am always sruck by the light in Spain. I think the grapes from there reflect that, it is as though you are drinking that light. I greatly enjoyed Jay’s musing about the vines piled around that old winery, and the shephard’s pride in his work, do more of that please, Jay. I felt as though I was there in Southeastern Spain, thanks for that. The lemons, the almonds, the olives, the grapes, the herbs, the land, and the people were refreshing. I’ll have a second helping, please!
Michael O
Partaker of the grape
The quality and composition of this video is truly outstanding. From the dramatic scenery to the well-chosen music…It is not the first of the more edited and more elaborate grape radio videos, of course. Bravo to everyone who was involved in making such a beautiful and impressive video!
Thank’s again for a wonderful show!
I live in Southern Spain,
so nice to watch Murcia, their food and wine is highly Esteemed!
Just love your shows and listening to Graperadio!
xoxo k.
If I move to another country when I retire, Spain is my first choice.
Jay
Hi Roland,
I live in Andalucia and We who live here, ove the Arabic influence in our cooking and food,
We use the same herbs, honey, vegetables etc, and have Couscou’s takehome on Friday’s from Maroccon retaurants.
Since the food here is so delicious, we never talk about French here….No Infuence what so ever!
Have been there, done that,4****, fun in France etc.
The Moore’s brought the Paella north to Valencia, the best place to grow “Bomba” Rice. (sold in small Brown cloth sacks.
Pimenton,(the authentic one has a smokey flavor and is registered from the region, like vine) Eggplant with blackstrap molasses, peppers etc. yummie…
Being a Viking myself, but we all treasure the Moorish influences here.
After all, Cordoba was the Capital/seat of the Moore’s for more than 800 years!
You are so right,
We, never think the food here has any French Influence,
That woud be an insult to the Spanish!
Just compare the “Caracoles”, The Spanish snails are always big and the French snails, so tiny…..
Ps. sorry about missing some L’s,
my laptop,,,jumped!
Jay and fellows,
Love Graperadio! This video is spectacular, the music superb. I am always sruck by the light in Spain. I think the grapes from there reflect that, it is as though you are drinking that light. I greatly enjoyed Jay’s musing about the vines piled around that old winery, and the shephard’s pride in his work, do more of that please, Jay. I felt as though I was there in Southeastern Spain, thanks for that. The lemons, the almonds, the olives, the grapes, the herbs, the land, and the people were refreshing. I’ll have a second helping, please!
Michael O
Partaker of the grape
Thanks for those lovely words. I thougt about removing that part where I was talking about the vines. I assumed I would get teased. However, it represented the way I felt about the magic of the place, so we kept it in. Glad about the decision.
Jay