Aragón, a region located in northeastern Spain, is known for its high quality and intense flavor wines. In the region, there are several Protected Designations of Origin (PDO) that guarantee the quality and authenticity of the wines produced. The PDOs are: Somontano, Cariñena, Campo de Borja, Calatayud, Cava and Aylés, each with its own characteristics and grape varieties. These PDOs have gained international recognition and are an obligatory stop for wine lovers visiting the region.
The Protected Designations of Origin (PDO) of Aragón are:
- Somontano
- Cariñena
- Campo de Borja
- Calatayud
- Cava
- Aylés
One of the most prominent PDOs is Somontano, located in the province of Huesca. The name Somontano means «at the foot of the mountain», due to the fact that it is located on the border between the Pyrenees and the Spanish plateau. The most common grape varieties in Somontano are Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah. Somontano wines are known for being elegant, with a fruity aroma and flavor that makes them perfect to accompany white meats and fish dishes.
Another important PDO in Aragón is Cariñena, located in the province of Zaragoza. Cariñena is one of the oldest wine regions in Spain, and stands out for its red wines of great quality and personality. The most common grape varieties in Cariñena are Garnacha, Mazuela (Cariñena) and Tempranillo. Cariñena wines are robust, full-bodied, with a fruity aroma and a persistent flavor on the palate. They are ideal for pairing with red meats, game and spicy dishes.
Undoubtedly an important PDO in the region is Campo de Borja, located in the province of Zaragoza. This region is known for its Garnacha grape, which produces wines of high quality and intense flavor. In addition, other varieties such as Tempranillo, Syrah and Mazuela are also grown. Campo de Borja wines are highly valued for their fruity aroma and intense flavor, which makes them ideal for pairing with roasts and meat dishes.
In the province of Zaragoza we also find the DOP Calatayud, a wine region that stands out for its dry and sunny climate. The most common grape varieties in Calatayud are Garnacha and Syrah. Calatayud wines are intense, complex and with good acidity. Their fruity aroma and intense flavor make them an excellent choice for pairing with grilled meats and spicy dishes.
In addition, in Aragon we find the PDO Cava and Aylés. The former is one of the most important cava producing regions in Spain, known for its high quality sparkling wines. The second is a relatively new wine region, located in the province of Zaragoza, which produces high quality red and white wines. The most common grape varieties in Aylés are Tempranillo, Garnacha and Chardonnay.
In conclusion, Aragon has several Protected Designations of Origin that produce wines of high quality and variety. From the elegant wines of Somontano, through the robust reds of Cariñena and Campo de Borja.
