D.O. Somontano

Hugging the southern slopes of the Pyrenees mountains is the Somontano D.O. The main growing region is concentrated to north of the principle town of Barbastro. The climate of this mountainous region is well suited to wine production with low humidity and a wide day/night temperature flux in summer.

This formerly neglected wine region has grown to 20 wineries and 1,800 acres of vineyards. Just 2 years ago there were 11 wineries and 1,300 hectares of vineyards.

The region is home to the red grape variety Moristel, which is very fruity and lends itself to the production of young, non-oaked wines. In the past few years, Somontano has become increasingly noted for its Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot wines.

The leading winery of the region is Enate, which was founded in 1991. Enate has won a strong following for their Merlots and Cabernets, as well as for their oaked Chardonnay (until recently use of oak for white wines had been something of rarity in Spain, and generally the oak treatment here is done with a light, judicious touch).

Another important winery in Somontano is Bodegas Pirineos, which is a cooperative of some 200 member growers. This winery produces a range of blended reds using Tempranillo, Cabernet, and Merlot, as well as single varietal wines of Moristel and another local grape Parraleta.

One my favorite finds in recent years has been the red wine from Bestué. The winery was founded a few years ago by family with a long history (since 1640) of grape cultivation.