North-Central Spain - Upper Ebro - Somontano

Answer 1

1. Foothills of the Pyrenees, north of Zaragoza. Somontano: ‘beneath the mountain’. Altitude 350-650m high
2. Dark sandy-clay soil hi in lime content and rich in alluvial matter

Climate;

1. Cool climate w hi diurnal range
2. Average rainfall: 500mm

Answer 2

Reds

1. Moristel
   
   1. • Loganberry flavoured grape
   2. • Light red that oxidise easily; better as a blend
2. Cabernet Sauvignon
3. Merlot
4. Pinot Noir

Others: Tempranillo, Paralleda

Answer 3

Whites

1. Chardonnay
2. Chenin blanc
3. Gewurztraminer

Others: Macabeo, Alcanon, Riesling, Sauvignon blanc

Answer 4

4,000 ha. Key hazard: winter freezes

Wine Styles

1. Traditional jovenes in all 3 colours made from Macabeo, Moristel and Garnacha. Less and less common.
2. Modern wines are either French blend reds or fruit-driven varietal whites.
3. Generally, modern fruit-driven varietal wines with white more than red.

Production

Just under 20m bottles produced w 93% of the production made by 3 wineries:

1. Vinas del Vinero: supermodern winery; owns 1,100ha for 10mbtls, Blecua is the flagship red
2. Enate: international styles of wine; 4.5m btls/yr Enate Reserva Especial
3. Bodegas Pirineos: cooperative formerly 100% of the DO; now 3rd w 3.3m btls/yr; focuses on local varieties