Spain - Aragon Flashcards
What are the principal regions of Aragon? Where are they located?
There are four. Cariñena, Campo de Borja and Calatayud are in the west of Aragon, relatively near the city of Zaragoza, whereas Somontano is to the SE, close to the border of Catalunya and has a very different climate.
Which DOs have a warm continental climate? What else is significant about their climate?
Located far inland, Cariñena, Campo de Borja and Calatayud.
Max rainfall tends to be 450-500mm.
Vineyards are generally located on high plateaus and slopes that moderate the daytime temperatures.
Provides diurnal range that retains acidity.
A cold wind called the cierzo blows from the north, moderating temperature.
What are the altitudes of the W DOs?
Cariñena: 400-800
Calatayud: 500-900
Campo de Borja: 350-700
What is the principal variety, training and hazards in the western DOs?
Old vine Garnacha, with all DOs mainly producing red wines.
The lack of precipitation and rocky free draining soils means vineyards are generally made up of old bush vines planted at low densities.
The dry and windy conditions mean pests and diseases are rarely problematic. Spring frosts can be an issue.
What are average holdings and main producer type in the western DOs?
Small, with low number of wineries. Co-operatives are main producers.
What is the most common wine style from the western DOs?
High volume inexpensive reds for early drinking.
Fermented at moderate temps in steel and bottled soon after.
Medium to full bodied with high alcohol, medium tannins and ripe red and black fruits.
What style of wine is emerging from the western DOs? What’s the general profile?
A handful of small, quality focused wineries making very good wines from old-vine Garnacha are helping transform the image.
These P generally aim to showcase the quality of the fruit from their vines, and so even for premium wines, the time in oak will be relatively limited, and large or old vessels in high proportions may be used.
Concentrated raspberry and plum with subtle, spicy notes from oak, medium (+) acidity, medium to medium (+) tannins and high alcohol.
Usually mid or premium.
How does Somontano differ to the other DOs?
Geographically set apart, located at the foothills of the Pyrenees.
Warm continental, but rainfall is slightly higher than in the other 3, and spread throughout the year.
Vineyards are generally found at 350-650m.
The altitude of the highest vineyards slightly lowering daytime temps and giving diurnal range.
Cold breezes blow down the Pyrenees.
What are the key plantings in Somontano DO?
A wide range, Cab Sauv and Chardonnay are most planted. Unusually for Spain, there’s significant plantings of Gewurz.
What caused development in Somontano DO?
External investment. Until 40 years ago there was only a handful.of producers, but now there are over 30.
The first investment came from a local bank, which created a modern, high-tech winery, now known as Viñas del Vero. It is the largest producer in the region, and since 2008 onwards owned by Gonzalez Byass of Jerez.
Who is Barbadillo, and what role do they have in Somontano DO?
A sherry producer, but owns a major share of the co-operative.
What is the general profile of wines from Somontano? What’s their marketing issue?
Mid. Good or very good examples of each variety.
Competition from a large number of other, perhaps better known regions across the world producing wines from the same varieties.
