Viña Elena - Jumilla

This exceptional project is the personal brainchild of Elena Pacheco and Isio Ramos aimed at making 100% Monastrell wines from select DOP Jumilla vineyards.  Working organically and using winemaking techniques acquired from local viticulturists, they skillfully craft their wines to reach their full expression with regard to microclimate, soil, location, and the age of the vines.

Viña Elena Paraje Marín 2023

100% Monastrell (Mourvèdre) from 15-35 year-old organic vines planted at 1,200-1,300 feet elevation.  A combination of different plots, located in the Marin Valley, southern sub-zone of the DO Jumilla.  Limestone soils.  Dry Mediterranean climate.

Winemaking: Hand harvested between the last week of August and first week of September 2023. Fermented in stainless steel at a controlled temperature of 24-26 °C using natural yeasts. Malolactic fermentation in concrete vat and aged in concrete for 7 months. Bottled unfined without cold stabilization in April 2024.

Production: 1,800 cases

Viña Elena Finca CQ 2022

100% Monastrell (Mourvèdre) from 32 year-old organic vines at 2,300 feet elevation planted on a single estate (Finca) named Casa Quemada (CQ).  Soils range from deep, sandy soils with organic matter and very little active lime to more robust, loamy soils with green marlstone, and even sandy, conglomerate limestone soils.  Dry Mediterranean climate.

Winemaking:  Hand harvested in September 2022. Fermented in stainless steel at a controlled temperature of 24-26 °C using natural yeasts. Malolactic fermentation and aging in used 500L French oak and concrete for 7 months. Bottled in May 2023.

Production: 850 cases

Viña Elena Finca CQ 2023

100% Monastrell (Mourvèdre) from 32 year-old organic vines at 2,300 feet elevation planted on a single estate (Finca) named Casa Quemada (CQ).  Soils range from deep, sandy soils with organic matter and very little active lime to more robust, loamy soils with green marlstone, and even sandy, conglomerate limestone soils.  Dry Mediterranean climate.

Winemaking:  Hand harvested in September 2023. Fermented in stainless steel at a controlled temperature of 24-26 °C using natural yeasts. Malolactic fermentation and aging in used 500L French oak and concrete for 7 months. Bottled in May 2024.

Production: 1,000 cases

Viña Elena Paraje Las Encebras 2023 (Orange Wine)

100% Airén from organic vines planted between 1980-1985 at 1,100-1,200 feet elevation in the village of "Las Encebras". From a combination of different plots, located southern sub-zone of the DO Jumilla. Sandy soils and Mediterranean climate.

Winemaking: Hand harvested in September 2022. Fermented in stainless steel at a controlled temperature of 14-16 °C using natural yeasts. Maceration with the skins and whole bunches (less than 30%). Biological ageing in 20L glass demijohns for 10 months. Bottled in June 2023.

Production: 1,044 bottles (120 bottles imported)

RP92 - Viña Elena Finca CQ 2022

Reviewed by: Luis Gutiérrez

Issue Date: January 18, 2024

The 2022 Bruma del Estrecho Finca CQ (Casa Quemada) comes from a large property they bought in 2017 and have been recovering ever since. This Monastrell comes from vines at 700 meters in altitude. It fermented in 500-liter barrels and concrete and matured in those containers. It has 14.5% alcohol and good freshness. This has kept the floral and perfumed personality from previous years, and despite the ripeness, it comes through as balanced and harmonious. 10,266 bottles produced. It was bottled in May 2023.

RP92 - Viña Elena Finca CQ 2023

Reviewed by: Luis Gutiérrez

Issue Date: January 9, 2025

The 2023 Bruma del Estrecho Finca CQ is the fourth vintage from a 48-hectare property they bought in 2017 that they have been recovering, as it was abandoned. It's perfumed and fruit-driven, clean and expressive with notes of Mediterranean herbs (especially in the aftertaste), a hint of honey and the fine chalkiness from the limestone soils and some dusty tannins. It has 14.5% alcohol and good freshness and balance. 12,078 bottles produced. It was bottled in May 2024.

RP91 - Viña Elena Paraje Las Encebras 2023

Reviewed by: Luis Gutiérrez

Issue Date: January 9, 2025

The golden 2023 Bruma del Estrecho Paraje Las Encebras has notes of pit fruit, pollen and an earthy touch. It was produced with Airén grapes that fermented with 20% skins and stems and macerated for eight days. The wine matured in glass demijohns with lees, and some developed flor. It has a moderate 11% alcohol, an austere palate with some tannins and a chalky texture. 1,156 bottles produced. It was bottled in March 2024.

Tim Atkin 90:  Viña Elena Paraje Marín 2023

Monastrell from a single vineyard in Jumilla’s driest sub-zone, this is a jammy and ripe red wine with lots of varietal character. Bright strawberry fruit dominates while supple tannins make for a deliciously approachable wine which is light on its feet. It’s also great value!  2024 - 2026

Tim Atkin 93:  Viña Elena Finca CQ 2022

Finca CQ is Casa Quemada, a vineyard area that Viña Elena spent seven years recuperating. This is a blend of different plots of Monastrell grown on various soils and with varying aspects. It is perfumed with pretty violet notes and raspberry fruit. There is plenty of energy and focus, and chalky tannins which give the wine a lift. A very elegant Monastrell.  2024 - 2027

Tim Atkin 90:  Viña Elena Las Encebras 2023

Elena Pacheco pays tribute to the Airén grape with this most unusual of wines. Vines are just under 40-years’-old and planted on sandy soils which bring a distinctive finesse to the wine. It is fermented in stainless steel on skins and around 30% whole bunch, and then aged in demijohns for ten months under flor. Lovely chamomile and sour dough notes dominate the nose and the palate offers good acidity and yellow fruit with a saline finish.  2024 - 2026

Peñín 92 - Viña Elena Finca CQ 2022

Style: Defined aromas, pruney.  Aroma: Black fruit, ripe fruit, balsamic herbs, hint of anise.  Flavor: Good structure, fruity, slightly dry, soft tannins, spicy, long.