Aragon

Question 1

Western DO’s

Answer 1

Carinena DO, Campo de Borja DO, Calatayud DO

Warm continental climate with hot dry summers and max rainfall of 450 - 500mm. Vineyards on high altitude plateaus and slopes that moderate daytime temps and high diurnal ranges to retain acidity (500 - 900 Calatayud; 400 - 800 Carinena; 350 - 700 Campo de Borja). Cold wind called Cierzo from north further moderates and slows ripening.

Mainly red wines; substantial old vine Garnacha. Low rainfall and rocky free draining soils means low density bush vines common. Dry windy means disease pressure is low, but spring frosts can be a problem.

Coops major players; mostly high volume inexpensive; med to full body, high alcohol, med tannin, red fruit.

Handful of quality old vine Garnacha. Some old oak. med plus acid and tannin, high alcohol, concentrated red fruit, mid to prem.

Question 2

Somontano DO

Answer 2

Located at the foot of the Pyrenees.

Warm continental climate with slightly higher rainfall than the three westerly DO’s and more evenly spread through year. Vineyards at 350 - 600m with higher altitudes lowering temps and high diurnal ranges for acidity and slower ripening. Cool breezes from Pyrenees.

Wide range of varieties. Cab Sauv, Chard most planted. Unusually also sig Gewurz.

External investment has been important going from a handful to more than 30. Vinas del Vero was the first high tech and now is largest and owned by Gonzales Byass of Jerez. Barbadillo (sherry producer) owns a share of the coop.

Mostly mid price, good to very good. Too much competition from other regions making similar wines.