Somontano

Styles

Principal grape varieties

Terroir

• East–west banded structure crossed by rivers (Alcanadre, Vero, Cinca…) flowing southward.
• The northern boundary ranges (Guara, Balcés, Salinas) are formed by Cretaceous and Eocene limestones displaced as thrust sheets.
• Two dominant soils: Calcisols (traditional vineyards) and Gypsisols over gypsiferous marls to the southwest of Barbastro.
• Continental Mediterranean climate: rainfall of 400–800 mm/year and sunshine of approximately 2,700 hours/year.
• Marked diurnal temperature variation in August–September, key to the fruity aromatic profile of the wines.

• Vine cultivation in Somontano dates back to the 5th century BC; by the 2nd century BC large-scale wine production already existed.
• The Cooperativa Comarcal Somontano del Sobrarbe, established in the 1960s, was the first step toward the DO, which was approved in 1984. (via Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 4.0)

• Profile: alcoholic character, medium-high acidity, medium-high color intensity, and a pleasant finish.
• The thermal differential of August–September combined with Calcisol and Gypsisol soils enhances the intense fruity aroma.

• Calcisol and Gypsisol soils, together with the marked diurnal temperature contrast of August–September, favor wines that are alcoholic, fruity, and high in acidity.

Facts drawn from the cahier's terroir-link section (Lien au terroir) by automatic interpretation — see the the specification.

Sources

• eAmbrosia register (EU) — File number PDO-ES-A0534
• Official trade body site — D.O. Somontano