Somontano DO
Permitted Varieties
Somontano DO
Overview
Somontano (“beneath the mountains” in Spanish) is Aragón’s premier wine region, producing elegant wines in the foothills of the Pyrenees that bridge traditional Spanish varieties with international success. Established as a DO in 1984, Somontano distinguished itself by embracing international varieties like Gewürztraminer, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvignon alongside indigenous grapes like Moristel and Parraleta. The region’s high-altitude, continental climate creates wines with fresh acidity and aromatic intensity that stand apart from Spain’s hotter southern regions.
Geography & Climate
Location: Aragón; Pyrenean foothills; Huesca province
Size: ~4,500 ha
Elevation: 350-650m (1,150-2,130 ft)
Climate: Continental with mountain influence
- Growing Degree Days: 1,600-1,900 GDD
- Rainfall: 500-600mm
- Temperature: Cool nights (Pyrenean air)
The Mountain Effect:
- Pyrenean air drainage
- Significant diurnal variation
- Extended ripening
- Fresh acidity preservation
Soil Types:
- Sandy-clay (common)
- Limestone
- Gravel
Key Characteristic: Pyrenean altitude + international varieties = aromatic, fresh Spanish wines.
Wine Styles
White Wines
Gewürztraminer:
- Spain’s best expression
- Lychee, rose, spice
- Aromatic intensity
- Unexpected Spanish success
Chardonnay:
- Elegant, balanced
- Both oaked and unoaked
- Quality focus
Red Wines
International Varieties:
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Merlot
- Syrah
- Modern, fruity styles
Indigenous Varieties:
- Moristel: Light, cherry; traditional
- Parraleta: Dense, tannic; rare
Rosé
Character: Fresh, modern
- Growing category
- International style
Classification & Regulations
DO Requirements:
| Parameter | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Varieties | Approved international + indigenous |
| Yields | Varies by variety |
| Aging categories | Crianza, Reserva, Gran Reserva |
Variety Mix: Unusual balance of international and indigenous.
History
Timeline:
- Roman era: Viticulture established
- Medieval: Monastery wines
- 1984: DO established
- 1990s: International variety focus; modernization
- 2000s: Quality recognition
- Today: Premium Aragón region
The Modernization: Unlike most Spanish DOs, Somontano bet on international varieties early.
Enate Winery: Pioneered modern approach; art labels; quality focus.
Key Constraints & Production Notes
Terroir Zones:
- Higher sites: Cooler; aromatic whites
- Lower sites: Warmer; fuller reds
Viticulture:
- Modern trellising
- Careful canopy management
- Quality over quantity focus
Winemaking:
- Modern technology
- French oak (premium)
- Stainless steel (whites)
Aging Potential:
- Whites: 3-8 years
- Reds: 5-15 years
Notable Producers
Quality Benchmarks:
- Viñas del Vero
- Enate (art labels)
- Pirineos
- Blecua (premium)
- Laus
- Olvena
Enate: Defined modern Somontano; quality leader; artistic marketing.
Viñas del Vero: Volume with quality; accessible wines.
The Gewürztraminer Story
Spain’s Aromatic Surprise
Why It Works:
- Cool Pyrenean nights
- Altitude
- Well-drained soils
- Among Spain’s best aromatic whites
Character: More restrained than Alsace; fresh acidity.
Indigenous Variety Revival
Moristel and Parraleta
Moristel:
- Light red; cherry notes
- Traditional; declining
- Some revival interest
Parraleta:
- Dense, tannic
- Nearly extinct
- Recovery efforts
Common Challenges
Identity Competition
- Cause: Many Spanish DOs; international varieties.
- Risk: Lack of unique identity.
- Response: Quality focus; Gewürztraminer specialty.
Indigenous Variety Loss
- Cause: International variety success.
- Risk: Heritage loss.
- Response: Revival programs; heritage bottlings.
References
-
DO Somontano (2025). “Pliego de Condiciones.” Link
-
Consejo Regulador Somontano.
-
Robinson, J., et al. (2006). “The Oxford Companion to Wine.” Oxford University Press. Publisher Link
Last Updated: January 11, 2026
Data Sources: DO Somontano, ICEX
Research Grade: Technical reference