20.5 - Aragon Flashcards
Name the four DOs in Aragon.
West Cariñena, Campo de Borja and Calatayud
North-east Somontano
Outline the situation, climate, topography, rainfall and soils of the westerly DOs. Name the two key moderating factors.
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
How does climate impact vine planting and trellising decisions?
What are the main viticultural hazards?
Dry, hot climate favours low density bush vines
Hazards
- Spring frost
- Drought
- Sunburn
What styles of wine are produced in the westerly DOs?
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
Describe how Somontano differs from the westerly DOs?
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
Where has investment into Samontao come from?
From regional banks e.g. Viñas del Vero
From large wineries esp. Jerez –> Gonzalez Byass now owns above
What challenges face Somontano DO?
Its focus on int’l varieites makes it vulnerable to competition from across the globe