Somontano

Somontano is an appellation located at the foot of the Pyrenees, on the Spanish side, in the region of Huesca. The production area is divided into three distinct zones: the mountains, Somontano itself, and the plains. The Denominación de Origen (DO) was recognized in Somontano in 1984.

As with many Spanish appellations, the spread of phylloxera in France led to rapid expansion of wine-growing areas in the 19th century due to a corresponding increase in export demand. In the 20th century, this expansion was encouraged by the creation of the Somontano Sobarbe regional cooperative and by major business projects in the 1990s.

The climate of Somontano is characterized by very cold winters and hot summers, with sudden changes in temperature at the end of spring and in autumn. The white, red, and rosé wines of Somontano are made from around fifteen grape varieties, some foreign and some local, such as Moristel, Tempranillo, and Parreleta. The Somontano vineyards cover 4,400 hectares within the appellation area.

The variety and quality of Somontano wines are particularly well represented by Bodegas Osca, Pirineos, Enate, and Irius.