20.5 - Aragon

Question 1

Name the four DOs in Aragon.

Answer 1

West Cariñena, Campo de Borja and Calatayud

North-east Somontano

Question 2

Outline the situation, climate, topography, rainfall and soils of the westerly DOs. Name the two key moderating factors.

Answer 2

Situation west of the region near Zaragoza

Climate warm, continental

Rainfall low 450-500mm

Topography vineyards on high plateaus of varying altitudes from 350-900m with Calatayud the highest on average

Soils Rocky

Moderating factors 1. Altitude 2. cold cierzo wind from the north

Question 3

How does climate impact vine planting and trellising decisions?

What are the main viticultural hazards?

Answer 3

Dry, hot climate favours low density bush vines

Hazards

1. Spring frost
2. Drought
3. Sunburn

Question 4

What styles of wine are produced in the westerly DOs?

Answer 4

Mainly red from Garncha

Inexpensive with protective winemaking; ripe red and black fruit, med tannin, high alcohol, med-full body

Premium some judicious use of oak (old, large barrel) or SST, concentrated raspberry and plum, subtle oak; med(+) acid, med-med(+) tannins, high alcohol, mid-priced-premium

Question 5

Describe how Somontano differs from the westerly DOs?

Answer 5

Situation foothills of Pyrennees

Climate warm and continental but with higher rainfall

Topography similar altitude 350-650m

Grapes wider range incl int’l varieties like Cab, Chardonnay, Gewurtz

Question 6

Where has investment into Samontao come from?

Answer 6

From regional banks e.g. Viñas del Vero

From large wineries esp. Jerez –> Gonzalez Byass now owns above

Question 7

What challenges face Somontano DO?

Answer 7

Its focus on int’l varieites makes it vulnerable to competition from across the globe