Aragón

Exploring Aragón’s Wine Country

Aragón, nestled in northeastern Spain, offers a rich tapestry of wine experiences. This region boasts ancient vineyards, diverse terroirs, and a blend of traditional and modern winemaking techniques.

Wine Regions

Towns and Villages

Cariñena, the oldest wine-producing region in Aragón, is a must-visit for wine enthusiasts. Its picturesque vineyards and historic bodegas offer a glimpse into traditional winemaking practices.

Calatayud, known for its powerful red wines, features charming medieval architecture and stunning landscapes. Don’t miss the Mudéjar-style churches, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Wine Producers

  • Bodegas San Alejandro: Located in Miedes, they produce exceptional Garnacha wines.
  • Bodegas Borsao: In Campo de Borja, famous for their high-quality, value-driven wines.
  • Grandes Vinos y Viñedos: A cooperative in Cariñena, offering a wide range of wines.

Accommodations

For a unique stay, book a room at Hotel Cien Balcones in Daroca. This boutique hotel offers stunning views of the surrounding vineyards.

In Zaragoza, the NH Collection Gran Hotel provides luxury accommodations with easy access to the city’s wine bars and restaurants.

Dining

La Prensa in Zaragoza offers innovative Aragonese cuisine paired with an extensive local wine list. Try their tasting menu for a culinary journey through the region.

For traditional fare, visit Restaurante Gayarre in Calatayud. Their roast lamb pairs perfectly with robust local reds.

Wine Shops & Bars

Zaragoza’s La Cava Aragonés offers an extensive selection of local wines. Their knowledgeable staff can guide you through Aragón’s diverse offerings.

Visit Montal in Zaragoza for a unique wine bar experience. This historic establishment combines a gourmet food shop with a cozy tasting area.

Other Shops

Chocolates Lacasa in Zaragoza is perfect for sweet-toothed travelers. Their chocolate-covered almonds pair wonderfully with local dessert wines.

For artisanal cheeses to complement your wine tastings, stop by La Fromagerie in Huesca.

Attractions

The Museo del Vino in Cariñena offers an interactive journey through Aragón’s winemaking history. Don’t miss their virtual reality vineyard tour.

Visit the Monasterio de Piedra near Calatayud. This 12th-century monastery is surrounded by stunning waterfalls and gardens.

Events

Attend the Fiesta de la Vendimia in Cariñena each September. This harvest festival features wine tastings, folk dancing, and the traditional grape-stomping ceremony.

The Muestra de Garnachas in Campo de Borja showcases the region’s premier Garnacha wines each spring.

Appellations

Cariñena DO: Known for its robust reds and crisp whites, this is Aragón’s oldest wine region.

Campo de Borja DO: Often called the “Empire of Garnacha,” this appellation produces powerful, fruity reds.

Somontano DO: Located in the foothills of the Pyrenees, Somontano is known for its innovative winemaking and diverse grape varieties.

Grape Varieties

Aragón’s wine scene is dominated by Garnacha (Grenache), the region’s signature grape. This versatile variety thrives in the harsh climate, producing full-bodied reds with vibrant fruit flavors.

Other important red grapes include:

  • Tempranillo
  • Cariñena (Carignan)
  • Moristel
  • Cabernet Sauvignon

For white wines, look out for:

  • Macabeo (Viura)
  • Chardonnay
  • Garnacha Blanca

Main Wine Styles

Aragón’s wines are known for their bold, full-bodied character. The region produces a range of styles:

  • Red wines: Intense, fruit-forward Garnachas dominate, often with high alcohol content and rich tannins.
  • White wines: Crisp, aromatic whites from Macabeo and Chardonnay offer refreshing alternatives.
  • Rosados: Pink wines made from Garnacha grapes are gaining popularity for their freshness and fruit-forward profiles.
  • Sparkling wines: Some producers are experimenting with traditional method sparkling wines.

Food Specialties

Aragón’s cuisine pairs perfectly with its robust wines. Local specialties include:

  • Ternasco de Aragón: Succulent roasted lamb, ideal with Garnacha reds.
  • Jamón de Teruel: Dry-cured ham, perfect with both red and white wines.
  • Trufa negra: Black truffles from Teruel, excellent with aged reds.
  • Queso de Tronchón: A distinctive sheep’s milk cheese, pairs well with white wines.

Drives & Walks

Explore Aragón’s wine country through scenic drives and walks:

  • Ruta del Vino Somontano: A wine route through picturesque villages and vineyards in the Somontano region.
  • Calatayud Wine Trail: Drive through the rugged landscape of Calatayud, stopping at wineries along the way.
  • Cariñena Wine Route: Visit some of Spain’s oldest vineyards in the birthplace of the Cariñena grape.

For nature lovers, the Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park offers stunning hiking trails with breathtaking mountain views.

Itineraries

3-Day Wine Tour

Day 1: Start in Zaragoza, visit urban wineries and enjoy tapas in the old town.

Day 2: Drive to Calatayud, tour wineries like Bodegas San Alejandro, and stay in a wine hotel.

Day 3: Explore Cariñena, visit historic cellars, and end with a wine-pairing dinner at a local restaurant.

Week-long Aragón Experience

Combine wine tasting with cultural exploration:

  • 2 days in Zaragoza: Visit the Basilica del Pilar and Aljafería Palace
  • 2 days in Somontano: Tour wineries and explore medieval villages
  • 1 day in Huesca: Discover Romanesque architecture and local gastronomy
  • 2 days in Teruel: Experience Mudéjar art and truffle hunting (in season)

Getting There & Around

Aragón is easily accessible by various modes of transportation:

  • Air: Zaragoza Airport offers domestic and international flights
  • Train: High-speed AVE connects Zaragoza to Madrid and Barcelona
  • Car: Extensive road network makes driving convenient for winery tours

Public transportation is limited in rural areas. Renting a car is recommended for exploring wine regions.

Best Time to Visit

The ideal time to visit Aragón for wine enthusiasts is during the harvest season, typically from late August to early October.

Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer pleasant weather for outdoor activities and wine tasting.

Seasonal Highlights

  • Spring: Vineyards come to life, perfect for scenic drives
  • Summer: Festive atmosphere with local wine celebrations
  • Autumn: Harvest activities and wine festivals
  • Winter: Cozy wine tastings and seasonal truffle hunting

Sustainability Efforts

Aragón’s wine industry is increasingly focusing on sustainable practices:

  • Organic Vineyards: Many producers are transitioning to organic farming methods
  • Water Conservation: Drip irrigation systems help conserve water in this arid region
  • Solar Energy: Some wineries are adopting solar panels to reduce carbon footprint

Look for wineries with organic or biodynamic certifications for eco-friendly wine experiences.

Language Tips

While Spanish is widely spoken, learning a few wine-related phrases can enhance your experience:

  • Bodega: Winery
  • Cata de vinos: Wine tasting
  • Salud: Cheers
  • Tinto/Blanco/Rosado: Red/White/Rosé wine

Many wineries offer tours in English, but calling ahead to confirm is advisable.

Further Resources

For more information on Aragón’s wine scene, consult these resources:

Consider downloading wine apps like Vivino or CellarTracker to track your tastings and discoveries in Aragón.

Wine Regions in Aragón

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