Ultimate Guide to the Somontano Wine Region

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Viticulture is a long-standing tradition in Somontano, dating as far back as the 2nd century B.C. [source: NationMaster]. At this time, Italic people were settling the region, and many had already worked in wine production. They not only brought their techniques to the area, but also brought their native grapes and wines [sources: NationMaster, DOSomontano].

It was the Middle Ages that really helped shaped the Somontano region we know today. At this time, almost the entire region was covered with vineyards, due largely in part to the abundant monasteries. Wine had become an important part in many religious ceremonies and gatherings. In fact, monks are widely recognized as key players in the evolution of wine production. In Somontano, the monks expanded the cultivation of wine and built a strong relationship with France, exporting their Spanish wine to this close neighbor. The relationship would prove to be extremely beneficial in the future.

In the 19th century, a breakout of Phylloxera spread across France, wreaking havoc on the grape vines and halting wine production. The ties Somontano had with French cities came into play, and Somontano wine production had to be increased so the foreign demand could be met. Sales and exports -- not only to France -- went up as people everywhere were looking for quality wine [sources: Harley].

While the region had been in the wine production business for ages, it wasn't until the early 1970s that they took the next big step toward ensuring their industry fame. In 1974, Somontano applied for DO status. It took a hefty amount of time, but almost 11 years later, the region gained approval [source: Harley].

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As with many southern European countries, it's easy to picture the vast vineyards of Somontano. The world has learned to count on this region and others near it, to produce great wines. Their consistent performance in the wine industry can be attributed not only to the cultivation practices, but to their appropriate climates as well.

Somontano has a climate that is ideally suited to grape growing. Each year has a cold snowy winter and a warm summer. The only slight instability is that there isn't much of a fall or spring, but instead there are rather drastic changes from one end of the temperature spectrum to the other [source: Cellar Tours]. The land can face as many as 2,700 hours of direct sunlight each year, which when paired with the cool nights and winters, presents almost perfect conditions for vine growth.

The soil of Somontano has proven a strong asset as well. Its lime content produces great vines, as this type of soil allows roots to grow deep and strongly establish themselves. Roots that are able to do this have an easier time absorbing necessary moisture and nutrients.

The rainfall in the region does call on certain areas to do more work than others must. Northern and western regions see plenty of rain, but as you move south or east, the amount drops as the temperature increases. These warmer, drier areas sometimes require more manual watering and maintenance.

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The Somontano wine region has its hand in the production of many types of grapes. With their long history and strong grape growing climate, countless varieties of wine are bottled each year. As such, there isn't a particular wine that is strongly associated with this Spanish region.

Unlike many regions worldwide, Somontano has grapes that are indigenous to the area. These help produce the "rustic" wines that have been in the area since the early years of cultivation [source: Cellar Tours]. The grapes that originated in Somontano are the Moristel, Parraleta and Alcañón [source: Harley]. The first two are used for red wines while the latter produces whites.

Presently, many varieties of grape grow in the area. In addition to the indigenous varieties listed above, several other types of grapes -- other Spanish grapes and some foreign varieties -- are grown in Somontano. The possible combinations of these grapes are plentiful and therefore, Somontano provides the world with great variety.

Red grapes cultivated in Somontano include:

[source: NationMaster]­

White varieties grown in Somontano include:

[source: NationMaster]

Before you book your flight to Somontano, visit the links on the next page for additional wine-related information.