Ebro River Valley: Aragon Flashcards
Where is Aragon?
This autonomous region is in northeastern Spain and is the 4th largest.
It is bordered by France to the north and 6 other regions: Navarra, La Rioja, & Castilla y Leon lie to the west; Castilla-La Mancha to the southwest; Comunidad Valenciana to the southeast, & Cataluna to the east.
Name the provinces of Aragon.
- Huesca
- Zaragoza
- Teruel
Each province is named after their respective capital cities.
What is the capital of Aragon?
Zaragoza
It overlooks the Ebro River & is home to more than half of the region’s entire population.
What is the climate in Aragon?
Continental
* large diurnal/seasonal temperature swings
* temperature fluctuations are widest in the arid Ebro Basin & less extreme in the mountainous regions
* 22in/550mm average annual rainfall (less in the Ebro Basin & more in Pirineos)
What threats do vineyards face during the growing season in Aragon?
- cold northwestern Cierzo wind
- frost
- drought
- hail
Which mountain ranges are found in Aragon?
This autonomous region is flanked by:
1. Pirineos: In the north, extending southward into Aragon’s Huesca province.
2. Sistema Iberico: It separates the Ebro valley from the Meseta to the south
Name the major river that flows through Aragon.
Ebro River
Name the significant tributaries of the Ebro River found in Aragon.
- Jalon River (from the south)
- Huerva River (from the south)
- Gallego River (from the north)
- Martin River (from the south)
- Guadalope River (from the south)
Where in Aragon are the vineyards planted?
- flanking the Ebro River
- foothills of Pirineos
- foothills of Sistema Iberico
What soil types are found in Aragon?
Limestone- and clay-dominant with a surface scree of pebbles, stones, and rocks. A few pockets of slate & granite.
What grape variety is believed to be indigenous to Aragon?
Garnacha
The other potential origin of this variety is Sardinia. However This region of Spain has the largest number of clonal variations, indication age. Also, documents dating back to 1513 mention the grape under its historic synonym: Aragones.
What is the most widely planted variety in Aragon?
Garnacha
Especially in the wine regions south of the Ebro River.
What vinetraining method is used in Aragon?
en vaso (bush-trained)
What winemaking methods are used in Aragon?
- stainless steel tanks to yield lively, fresh wines (red & white)
- barrel-aging in some red wine production
What aging designations are used in Aragon?
- Crianza
- Reserva
- Gran Reserva
Name the DOPs of Aragon.
- DO Calatayud (1989)
- DO Campo de Borja (1980)
- DO Carinena (1932)
- DO Somontano (1984)
- VP Ayles (2011)
Where is DO Calatayud located?
This DOP is near the foothills of the Moncayo Massif (Sistema Iberico) in Aragon. The vineyards grow at considerable elevation.
What wines styles are produced in DO Calatayud?
- Tinto (91%)
- Rosado (5%)
- Blanco (4%)
- Espumoso (<1%)
- Other (<1%)
What is the climate in DO Calatayud?
Continental
* high risk of frost
* 12-22in/300-550mm annual rainfall
What soil types are found in DO Calatayud?
- gray slate
- red slate
- clay
- sand
Name the white varieties of DO Calatayud.
Authorized:
* Garnacha Blanca
* Macabeo
* Malvasia
* Moscatel de Alejandria
* Sauvignon Blanc
* Chardonnay
* Gewurztraminer
Name the red varieties of DO Calatayud.
Authorized:
* Garnacha Tinta
* Tempranillo
* Bobal
* Mazuel/Mazuela (Carinena)
* Monastrell
* Syrah
* Cabernet Sauvignon
* Merlot
What is the most widely planted grape variety in DO Calatayud?
Garnacha (62% of all plantings)
~92% of total vineyard area are planted with red varieties.
What are the characteristics of a typical vinos tintos from DO Calatayud?
Varietal Garnacha.
Deep in colour, concentrated, & mineral-driven with fresh acidity.
What are the requirements of vinos tintos labeled “Vinas Viejas” from DO Calatayud
“Old vine” designation:
* min. 35 year old vines
* 4,500kg/ha max. yield