20.5 - Aragon

Question 1

Name the four DOs in Aragon.

Answer 1

1. W →Cariñena, Campo de Borja and Calatayud
2. NE → Somontano

Question 2

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

Answer 2

Situation W of region

Climate warm, continental

Rainfall low 450-500mm

Topography high plateaus of varying altitudes from 350-900m → Calatayud highest

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

• protective winemaking
• ripe red + black fruit
• med tannin, high alcohol, med-full body

Premium

• discreet use of oak (old, large barrel) or SST
• concentrated raspberry + 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, Chard, Gewurtz