Aragón

DO in the wine-growing region of Aragon in north-eastern Spain, named after the city of the same name. The vineyard area totals 15.200 hectares. It is one of the oldest wine-growing regions in Spain, and was the first to receive a DO classification in 1960. The soils are limestone-rich with some slate, the vineyards are located in the Ebro valley and stretch up to the mountains of the Sistema Ibérico at an altitude of 400 to 800 metres above sea level. The summers are dry and hot. 80% of the grapes planted are red varieties. However, the variety that has the same name as the DO, Cariñena (Carignan), is not the most common grape variety, it accounts for only around 6% of the vineyard area. The dominant variety, with more than 50% of the area, is Garnacha (Grenache), followed by Tempranillo, Cariñena (Mazuelo), Juan-Ibañez and Monastrell. Cabernet Sauvignon is becoming increasingly important. The most important white varieties are Viura (Macabeo) – it accounts for one fifth of the area - , Garnacha Blanca, Parellada and Monastrell. In the past, the wines were traditionally heavy and alcoholic, and had a long maturation potential (made in the sherry style), but this style is no longer important (although bottles of this type of wine up to 100 years old are still on offer in the market). For the most part, red, rosé and white Jovenes are produced. The production of Cava is also permitted in the wine-growing region.