Somontano – Wine region under the Pyrenees

Based in Valencia, I regularly head out to get to get to know the wine regions of Spain. Travelling through the ever-changing landscape in this vast country, past ancient cities and deserted villages gives me a great sense of freedom. Unbelievable how varied Spain is! This is also how I ended up in Somontano, a wine region just below the Pyrenees in northeastern Spain. Below is a brief impression.

Somontano in a nutshell

Somontano literally means: under the mountain. The area is located in north-eastern Spain at the foot of the Spanish Pyrenees. Here you are in the autonomous region of Aragon, close to the border with France, in a beautiful landscape that lends itself perfectly to a stay or tour.

The Somontano wine region

It has some 4,000 hectares of vineyards, making it one of many smaller wine regions in the country. By comparison, Spain as a whole has around 1 million hectares of these. If you tour around here you may notice a hilly wine landscape with the mountains in the background. Wine has been made here for centuries; the Romans for example, were already trading and improving production techniques.

Being so close to the mountains in northern Spain means it can be sunny but also cooler here, and you’ll notice that in the evening. So bring a jumper or jacket! The greater differences between day and night temperatures are part of a more continental climate and this definitely affects the wines, which usually have a pleasant freshness. The mountains also protect the vines from the cold winds from the northwest, called cierzo.

Alquézar, a perfect start

Alquézar is located in the province of Huesca, just under 50 kilometres east of the city of Huesca. The village is among the most beautiful villages in Spain, the so-called Pueblos mas Bonitos and is definitely worth a visit. In this mountain village, you go back in time between the centuries-old houses in small streets. The spectacularly located street at the bottom of the village where a number of restaurants are located offers views of the wide surroundings. The highlight is the Colegiata de Santa Maria la Mayor, beautifully located on the site of an old Moorish fortress. Alquézar’s central location offers good opportunities for exploring the wine region and also offers spectacular hiking trails, for example.

Wine & food of the region

The vast majority of grape varieties grown here originally come from outside Spain, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Chardonnay. This traces back to the time of the phylloxera plague that first landed in France and destroyed vineyards, after which French winemakers settled in the region. However, native grapes can also be found and there are three that originate here: Moristel and Parraleta (red) and Alcañón (white). These are grapes you won’t find everywhere, so wine adventurer: if you come across them, I recommend you definitely try them! In general, expect the red wines in Somontano to be lighter bodied with fresh acidity, so with a different taste experience than the classic wines from for example Rioja or Ribera del Duero. Salud!

Of course, the wines are perfect to enjoy with the local cuisine. During my visit, I discovered wild boar, venison, lamb (Aragon terrasco), rabbit in almond sauce, trout, rabo de toro and pork specialities on the menus. In a hotel room in Alquézar overlooking the fortress, it was a good rest afterwards!

Location

Recommended sites

Turismo de Aragon
Consejo Regulador de la Denominacion de Origen Somontano

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Spain is home to many beautiful, but lesser-known quality wines. With Ivan Wines, I focus on discovering and promoting these wines, the makers and the regions. As a Dutch Registered Vinologist, I organise tastings and wine tours from Valencia. Want to know more? Send me a message.