Wine from Somontano

In the last 15 years Somontano's wines have shot to fame and become firmly fixed on the map of quality wines figuring significantly on the national and international wine-growing scene. This has ensued from fulfilled expectations regarding the suitability of the geographical situation and climatic conditions, a commitment to modernizing production methods and the decision to combine local grape varieties with foreign ones - all factors responsible for creating wines of great personality and quality.

Somontano has opted for using foreign varieties that have adapted perfectly well to the region's climate and soils, endowing the resultant wines with the character of the terroir where the vines have been planted. For reds, wine makers are growing Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah, while for whites the predominant grapes are Chardonnay and Gewürztraminer. The native varieties used in blending are Parraleta, Moristel and, in particular, Tempranillo. The red wines are structured, elegant and fresh (good ageing), and the whites are fruity, balanced and with a certain oiliness.

The district of Somontano, as its name suggests (under the mountain), is situated in the foothills of the Aragonese Pyrenees and descends down towards the Ebro valley. The vineyards are located on the undulating ground that lies near the rivers running down from the mountains, where the soil is brownish-limestone and sandy-clay, and suitable for producing good calibre grapes. There is a continental climate with regular rainfall throughout the year.