Somontano Wine Region Guide

Somontano is a Spanish wine growing region in the Aragon region, northeast of Saragossa. It was granted DO status in 1984 and is roughly 140 kilometers from the boarder with France. Somontano means "under the mountains" and the region, which is situated in the foothills of central Pyrenees mountains, covers over 4,000 hectares of vineyards. You'll enjoy hilly landscapes close to both coasts. Apart from the geographical beauty, this place will surprise you with its amazing wine production.

Check out the best wine tastings and tours in Somontano Wine Region

Where is Somontano Wine Region?

Somontano is in Aragon, northern Spain, roughly 60 miles northeast of the city of Zaragoza (Saragossa).

History of Somontano Wine Region

Grapes have been grown in Somontano region from the 2nd century BC onwards with the Romans having introduced growing techniques which would influence cultivation. Vineyards have been around forever and they saw a lot of expansion in the 12th century when European livings adjusted their food production in order to better suit the demands. Precisely at this time, wine production increased because there were fewer people farming for them, it was easier for them to keep what they made, and traders came down from Germany to buy more. More recently, the phylloxera plague which struck France in the 19th century has benefited Spain. This plague has increased export and sales of Somontano wine from this region.

Terrior of Somontano

Most of the vines in Somontano, Spain are planted in dark limestone soil with some clay and sand. The soft sub-soil allows roots to go deep and absorb moisture and nutrients. Often they they are picking up alluvial deposits from the water that runs through it.

The region is at an altitude of around 400-600m and sees cold winters and warm summers. Spring and Autumn are the seasons when there is the most difference in temperature between night and day - 40º during the day and around 10º at night. The temperature can get as high as 40º in summer, but winter temperatures can drop down to as low as -10º. The average rainfall for a year is about 500mm.

Somontano Wine Characteristics 

Vineyards on high-altitude sites benefit from a high diurnal temperature variation. Intense daytime heat and low night-time temperatures help maintain a good balance of sugar and acid in the grapes.

Somantano wines are a mix of both fruity and zesty flavors. Most of the area's wines have high levels of fruit or acidity and are well balanced. Since modern wine drinkers tend to appreciate these flavors, they have a lot of popularity among them.

The authorized grape varieties are: Red: Cabernet Sauvignon, Garnacha Tinta, Merlot, Moristel, Parraleta, Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Tempranillo. White: Alcañón, Chardonnay, Garnacha Blanc, Gewürztraminer, Macabeo, Riesling, and Sauvignon Blanc.

Food to pair with Somontano Wine

1. Albóndigas de bacalao

Albondigas de bacalao are Spanish cod meatballs, traditionally from the Aragon region. The dish is made with a combination of potatoes, cod, garlic, eggs, parsley, flour and tomatoes. Potatoes are cooked with their skin on and mashed up with cod to make meatballs. The mix also includes garlic, parsley, and eggs.

This dish is made by combining the meatballs with a simple tomato sauce. I'd recommend having fresh bread or crisp croutons to accompany it. Albóndigas de bacalao is a tasty food that pairs well with Somontano wine.

2. Chireta

Chireta is a type of Spanish haggis with offal, ham, pork belly and rice. Ground beef is mixed with rice and the seasoning of your choice; this could be sweet paprika, garlic, cinnamon, or even parsley. They can be eaten as main dish or as tapas – sliced, battered and fried until golden. It pairs well with Somontano wines.

3. Pollo al chilindrón

Pollo Al Chilindrón is a traditional Spanish dish with roots in Aragon. It's made with a combination of chicken, onions, bell peppers, garlic, olive oil, white wine, tomato sauce and pimentón—a spicy paprika from Spain that's similar to the American-style cayenne peppers. To top it off you can also add. The stew is seasoned with rosemary and bay leaves, cooked until the meat falls off the bone. The name of this dish refers to the pan that was used for slow cooking it - a heavy cast-iron pot called a chilindrón. One of the most popular ways to eat pollo al chilindrón is with a salad and crusty bread. This tastes great with Somontano wine.

Places to visit near Somontano

1. Salto de Bierge

The narrow dam has long been a popular attraction of this area because it dams the waters of the Alcanadre river and forms at that point an upper and lower pool. The wide waterfall is nine meters high, which tempts you to jump into the lower pool, but even if you're feeling adventurous, it's worth admiring Salto de Bierge. You should definitely go visit this place. It's full of beauty and will brighten your day.

2. La Hermosa Ermita de Treviño

The church, consecrated to the Virgin, is a late-Romanesque construction that makes full use of stone materials. It has a Romanesque façade with archivolts and a Gothic porch covered with a vaulted ceiling. The side chapels of this church date from a later time. The apse is inside the semicircular apse and it dates back to the Lombard era. The corbels on sculptures are very much in addition to that of the Gothic portico and belfry built.

3. El Portal de Cunarga: Arco de Piedra

The Portal de la Cunarda is a beautiful natural stone arch that can be found in the Barranco del Fornocal. A walkway leads up to it from Colungo, where there are nearby accommodations. Near the end of the trail, the Chuncal ravine is exposed in some spots.

Frequently asked questions about Somontano Wine