📍 Somontano

Somontano is a wine area in Aragon, north-eastern Spain, in the foothills of the Pyrenees around the town of Barbastro. The name means under the mountain. The vineyards lie at roughly 350 to 650 metres, and the climate is continental, softened by mountain air.

The denomination of origin (DO) has existed since 1984. The area is known for being one of the first in Spain to use international grapes widely: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay and Gewürztraminer. Alongside them grow Tempranillo and the rare local Moristel and Parraleta.

Somontano makes red, white and rosé wines; whites from Chardonnay and Gewürztraminer are fresh and aromatic, reds fruity and soft. Many wineries stand in beautiful spots at the foot of the mountains.

Somontano is part of Aragon, like Cariñena and Calatayud, but the climate is cooler. It is a good area for getting to know Spanish wines other than Rioja. The whites suit fish and vegetables, and the reds roast meat and Aragonese sausages. The name Somontano on a label shows that the grapes grew in this very area, which makes it easy to look for similar wines.