By Francois du Reau
According
to documents of this period, wine was already cultivated in the valley of the
River Ebra in 500 BC. In the second century before Christ there was a
significant production of wine in the area. Romans settling in el Somanto has
been an important factor of development of the trading and cultivation of the
wine. Romans brought their advanced techniques and helped to develop wine
trading companies. During the middle age the wine culture extended to all the
Huesca Province under the impulsion of monastery who developed new vineyards.
During the 19 century the filoxera epidemic in the French vignard has implied
an increase of the Production and exportation of wine.
The Somantano was awarded D.O. status
in 1984. Hence in the 90’s strong investment has been done in the sector and
brought the Somantano among the best wines of Spain. While many styles of wine
can be found in the region, it is making a name for itself for some significant
modern innovations in wine-making.
The name
Somontono means “under the mountain,” as it is located right at the foothills
of the Pyrenees. The wines in this region tend to have excellent balance due to
hot, dry summers, with winds from the mountains cooling off the vineyards in
the cold winters. Local indigenous varietals were the initial plantings in the
area, such as Parraleta and Moristel for reds, Macabeo and Alcanon for whites.
However, much of these have been uprooted to make way for modern vinification
using international grapes such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah as well as
Spain’s noble grape, Tempranillo, for reds. Whites include Gewürztraminer,
Chardonnay and Garnacha Blanca. Garnacha Tinta is also employed as the main
grape for local rosado.
Local vintners have become known for
their technologically advanced wineries. Many functions at the vineyards are
computer-controlled, allowing for a good deal of experimentation in the wine
process, as well as top of the line storage facilities and shipping centers.