Bullas Wine Region Guide

Bullas is the wine region in the autonomous community of Murcia in southeastern Spain. The region gets its name from the old town of Bulla, which is situated in the heart of the official vinicultural area. The region is famous for its fruity rosé and red wine, distributed over 200 traditional wineries and in the Wine Museum. Being there, one can not only sample local wines, such as their signature Monastrell red but also enjoy the views of the vineyards and explore built heritage related to wine culture. Absolute heaven for experts and beginners, the region welcomes visitors with open arms no matter the season. Also, it offers a wide choice of Bullas wine tours.

Find out more about wine tasting & tours in Bullas!

Where is the Bullas wine region located?

Bullas is located in the community of Murcia, near its regional capital of the same name, and borders the mountains of Andalusia from the southwest. The region covers 1800 hectares within 8 municipalities and is divided into 3 subzones: northwest, which is the most significant, central and northeast. The neighbouring wine appellations are Jumilla and Yecla in the same Region of Murcia. Bullas wine appellation is the most prominent and southernmost in the community, stretching until the Mediterranean coast at Puerto de Mazarron.

History of Bullas wine region

Bullas attained appellation status and became an authorized DO (Denominación de Origen) in 1994. However, the region has quite a long history of winemaking before. Bullas has always shown utmost dedication to the cultivation and production of wine. It can also be concluded from the discovery in the Roman villa of Los Cantos of the sculpture of the Niño de las Uvas(a child with grapevine) or in the abundant documentation preserved in various archives; describing how it survived the Moorish invasion and later flourished again in the Middle Ages when Christians came. In its urban area alone, more than 200 traditional wineries are totally or partially preserved, most of them built between the 18th and 19th centuries. Bullas, in addition to its well-known natural, architectural, historical, and craft attractions, is a municipality traditionally linked to the culture of wine, which has shaped its environment, heritage, and the way of being its inhabitants over time.

Bullas wine region Terroir

Bullas wine has been grown for centuries in this area, which has a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and pretty cold winters. An average temperature is between 18 °C to 25 °C yearly, but the maximum can be as high as 40 °C and the minimum 0 °C; therefore, there is very rare but still a threat for frosts. The vineyards are located at an altitude of between 500 and 810 meters above sea level, and the temperature on the higher vineyards is respectively lower. The soils are mainly of brown limestone, but they are so hard they need to be broken up mechanically before vines can are planted, but still, they are quite fertile and provide good drainage. It usually rains heavily in September and October in Bullas. 

Bullas wine characteristics 

If a variety of grapes reflects the land of Bullas, that is the Monastrell. It represents the unmistakable identity of the ancient Region of Murcia and is the native variety of the Bullas wine appellation. More than 80% of vine cultivation belongs to this type of grape. With small grains and a very intense blue colour, it provides a solid personality to Bullas wines due to its colour and fruity flavour and the abundance of chemical components that give it advantageous properties. Monastrell grape variety is used to produce red wine and fresh rosé. Other authorized grape varieties for red wine are Cabernet Sauvignon, Garnacha Tinta, Syrah, Tempranillo, Merlot, and Petit Verdot. As for white wine, the authorized varieties are: Airén, Chardonnay, Macabeo, Malvasía, Moscatel de Alejandría, Sauvignon Blanc, Moscatel de Grano Menudo. Bullas used to be a bulk wine producer and produced mostly Joven young wine in Spanish until it acquired appellation status in 1990. Then it became more focused on primer quality wine production, reflecting its identity and the excellence of its terroir. 

Food to pair with Bullas wine 

Conejo con Arroz

Conejo con Arroz is a traditional dish from the Region of Murcia, the local variant of paella. This dish consists of rice with rabbit meat and veggies like onions, tomatoes, peppers, carrots, garlic, and olive oil. This Mediterranean delicacy is excellent to savour with a glass of red wine, perfectly matching Las Reñas Bullas wine.

Pipirrana rin-ran

Pipirrana rin-ran is a salad dish originating from the Region of Murcia, made from leftovers like codfish, bell peppers, potatoes and eggs, spiced with some garlic, cumin, and paprika. It is served cold, with some olives and, of course, a glass of Bullas wine to enhance the taste.

Marinera Murciana

Marinera Murciana is a Spanish tapa with Murcian accents; as always, Spanish tapas are not light appetizers but are pretty nutritious and can be a dinner substitute. This one is made from a crispy loaf of bread, with a layer of salad Olivier, consisting of potatoes, carrots, eggs, green peas, tuna fish and mayonnaise, and topped with some anchovies. This dish is an excellent accompaniment for any Bullas wine. 

Places to visit in the Bullas wine region

El Salto Del Users

El Salto Del Usero is a fantastic waterfall in rocks, where people usually swim, paddle, and canoe in plain nature. This place is a pure green place, worth visiting to learn more about the characteristics of the local landscape.

Museo del Vino

Museo del Vino is a speciality wine museum with various exhibitions describing the history of wine. There are very informative tour guides at your disposal; therefore, it is an excellent opportunity to get some wine education. 

Frequently Asked Questions about Bullas wine region