The
Somontano Wine Region
By Joelo Delgado
The region of Aragon is blessed with lush
landscapes supporting vast pastures of livestock, forests with a healthy
population of game; where truffle mushrooms grow. Several rivers snake through
the landscape watering the grasses and trees; the river Ebro in fact, Spain’s
largest river in volume, cuts through the province from west to east.
In this province, lying in the
northeastern region of Spain, in the province of Huesca, is the region of
Somontano. It lies nestled at the foothills of the majestic Pyrenees and
stretches to the valley of Ebro. Just as it’s name would suggest (latin in
origin) Somontano – at the foot of the mountain - is protected by the Pyrenees
mountain range from the north.
Geographically Somontano boasts one of the
best winemaking climates; with the Pyrenees providing a buffer from cold winds
from the north, the continental climate providing ample sunlight for the
grapes, and the sandy-clay soil – although not the most fertile – offers deep
penetration for the roots of the vines to extract more moisture and nutrients.
Summers in Somontano are hot and dry, and can get to a scorching 104 degrees
Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius). Wintry months can see temperatures dipping as
low as 15 degrees Fahrenheit (-10 degrees Celsius), and the region also
experiences it’s fair share of rain (20in annually). The region experiences
balanced exposure to all the elements.
Consequently Somontano wines, generally
speaking are very balanced, the modern wine drinker would be eased into a
harmonious blend of fruity, acidity, round, experience; largely caused by the
region’s trifecta; altitude, climate, and soil.
Although Somontano has been making wines
since the Romans started planting grapes in the 2nd century, it was
only in the 80s, when the region was awarded a D.O. (Denominacion Origen) that Somontano became known for its
innovative and modern approach to winemaking. Its 33 wineries[1]
and some 500 private ones, occupy more than 4,500 hectares of grape country in
this region.
Local grape varietals to watch out for are
moristel and parraleta, but most
especially Alcañon a Somontano white
varietal, almost wiped out of existence as it started to lose popularity. Local
wineries are now starting to propagate Alcañon again.
The wines are not the only stars, Somontano
is not bereft of other attractions. Perhaps most historically important; The
River Vero Cultural Park, houses over 60 cave paintings, declared by UNESCO as
a World Heritage Site. The city of Barbastro, the Torreciudad Shrine, and medieval
village of Alquezar are some of the top recommended tourist spots.
Somontano is an enchanting region offering
excellent, well-balanced wines; excellent cuisine with game, lamb and fresh
fishes; beautiful ancient medieval villages and cities. How your experience will
pan out it all depends on you.
[1] Four best bodegas: Bodegas Somontano, Bodegas Pirineos, Enate,
Vinas del Vero