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Calatayud wine region is a Spanish wine-producing region in the province of Zaragoza. It is located in the autonomous community of Aragon, in the northeastern part of Spain. The region has a total of 8,000 hectares under vine cultivation, which produces around 100,000 hectolitres per year, making Calatayud the second-largest wine-producing region in Aragon. The Calatayud wine region is known for its bold red wines, primarily produced from Garnacha grapes grown in vineyards. Still, the region also makes rosé and white wines from various grape varieties, such as Macabeo, Malvasia, Moscatel, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Gewürztraminer. The region is also singular in its location and terroir, reflected in its wines' distinctive taste, making it one of the most significant among Spanish wines.

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Where is the Calatayud wine region located?

Calatayud wine region map will lead to in the north of Spain, in mountainous Aragon. It is in the province of Zaragoza, in the Ebro river valley, bordering Cariñena from the east, an influential neighbouring wine appellation. Other wine regions worth mentioning in the area are Somontano and Campo de Borja. The community of Aragon is one of the coldest in Spain, and there are several famous ski resorts. Apart from Zaragoza, the significant provinces are Huesca and Teruel.

The history of the Calatayud wine region

The history of the Calatayud Spain wine region dates back to ancient times. It was the 2nd century BC when viticulture first emerged in the area. In Roman times, vines were planted all over Spain because they wanted to produce wine for export to Rome. The Romans were the first settlers who cultivated vines in this area, making it one of the oldest wine regions in Europe. Later, the Moors, who inhabited the place, gave up the practice. However, afterwards, the Christians restituted it as in the 12th century, the monks of Monasterio de Piedra actively encouraged vineyard planting. The monastery's cellars testify to the vital role of wine throughout the region. Since the region earned the appellation status and became an authorised DO (denominación de origen) in 1990, it has never ceased the production of high-quality wine, making the appellation prestigious and attracting winegrowers from Europe and all over the world.

Type of Calatayud Terroir

The climate of the Calatayud wine region is Continental, characterised by a dry and hot summer but cold winters with a respective probability of frosts during six months. In the summer, the mean temperature ranges from 23 °C to 33 °C, while the average annual temperature is 13 °C. The average rainfall per year is between 300 mm and 500 mm. The vineyards are located on hillsides at the altitude of 800 m above sea level to maximise exposure to sunlight, which plays a critical role in the ripening process, allowing grapes to develop more of a balance between sweetness and alcohol. However, another part of the year, which is more frigid, stipulates that grapes retained acidity. Therefore, the Calatayud wine contains a moderate amount of residual sugar and is relatively acidic, which is reflected in its outstanding taste. 

Soil is another critical component of how the taste of wine shapes off. Calatayud soil is pale-coloured and rich in limestone. It is rocky, containing pebbles, not very nutritious due to harsh conditions in winter, but very promising for drainage. Therefore, the yields are not very high in the Calatayud wine region, but the quality is excellent. This fact again highlights that the region prioritises the quality of wines over quantity, which is why it was transformed quickly from a bulk wine producer to a trustworthy and notable wine region.  

Calatayud wine characteristics

The most famous grape variety among Calatayud wines is Grenache or Garnacha in Spanish, representing around 80% of produced Calatayud wines. There exist two types of Grenache, Garnacha Tinta, used for bold red wine and Garnacha Blanca for white wine. Nonetheless, rosé wine is also produced in the Calatayud wine region. Other authorised grape varieties for red wine production are Tempranillo, Mazuela, Monastrell, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Bobal, and Syrah. These sophisticated red wines have a taste of red fruits with spicy aromas of cinnamon and cloves, freshness rendered by acidity and intense cherry red, which are a true expression of Calatayud terroir.  

The grape varieties used to produce Calatayud white wines are Macabeo, Malvasía, Moscatel de Alejandría, Garnacha Blanca, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Gewürztramine. The white wines have fruity flavours of green apple, orange and grapefruit and are refreshingly acid and crispy. 

Calatayud rosé wine is mainly made from the red Grenache grape variety, is pale pink, fresh and easily drinkable. Moderately acid with floral aromas, this rosé wine often has a flavour of red fruits like strawberries or raspberries. 

Calatayud Superior is another outstanding variety of Calatayud wines, which is necessarily made from more than 50 years old vines, 85% from the red Garnacha and the rest 15% of other authorised grape varieties of the region. They are crimson red; their red fruit flavour, mineral aroma and smoky notes of wood create a genuinely unique and pleasurable taste, hard to find in other types of wines. Therefore, Calatayud Superior is one of the rarest and most demanded wines on the wine market. 

Food to pair with Calatayud wine

Tomato and bell pepper gazpacho

Gazpacho is a traditional Iberian dish, ubiquitous in Aragon and entire Spain. It contains blended tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, garlic, onion, olive oil, spices, and many herbs. This flavourful, nutritious, and refreshing soup is served cold and makes the perfect dinner on the hot summer evening with a chilled Calatayud red or white wine. 

Escabeche

Escabeche is a very popular fish stew in the province of Zaragoza, served with juicy vegetable and vinegar sauce, olives and herbs. It is common for every occasion and is an excellent accompaniment for Calatayud wine tasting.  

Pollo al chilindrón

Pollo al chilindrón is a traditional dish from Aragon, made of roasted chicken, diced Serrano ham, a mix of vegetables like paprika, tomatoes, carrots, onions and garlic, olive oil and white wine, flavoured with rosemary and bay leaves. This hearty, succulent meal doubles the pleasure with a glass of Calatayud Breca red wine. 

Places to visit in the Calatayud wine region

Ayyub Castle

Ayyub is an impressive castle dating back to the 9th century when the Muslim influence had invaded the region of Aragon. Nevertheless, it has become one of the famous sights today, which amazes the guests with its massive architecture, spectacular views and ancient carvings.

Collegiate Church of Santa María

This remarkable church is a mix of Mudéjar, Renaissance, and Baroque styles, prevalent in Spain in the 15th century, precisely when the church was built. Today, it is a protected UNESCO World Heritage. With its octagonal and significantly high tower of 72 metres, this gorgeous chapel is an absolute must-see in the region. 

Calatayud Municipal Museum

The museum has an extensive collection of archaeological artefacts from various periods and cultures found in the area, as well as paintings, sculptures, and other artworks from medieval times to the modern day. This museum is a great way to discover more about the character and customs of local people in the early times. 

Frequently Asked Questions about the Calatayud wine region

Is Calatayud in Catalonia?

No, Calatayud is located in the autonomous community of Aragon, in the northeastern part of Spain.

What types of grapes are grown in the Calatayud wine region?

Authorized grape varieties of Calatayud wine region are Garnacha Tinta, Tempranillo, Mazuela, Monastrell, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Bobal, Syrah, Macabeo, Malvasía, Moscatel de Alejandría, Garnacha Blanca, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Gewürztraminer 

What is Calatayud Wine like?

Calatayud is famous for its bold red wine, however, it also produces rosé and white wines. All Calatayud wines have various fruity and floral favours, are refreshingly acid and have an intensive taste.

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Just getting started on your wine journey, or jumping back in?
Taste through a selection of a great local wines.

Wineries in Calatayud