Calatayud

Grenache reigns supreme in the DO Calatayud.

Located in the northern Spanish province of Zaragoza, bordering the provinces of Soria, Guadalajara and Teruel, the DO Calatayud comprises 46 villages. Though its origins go back to the 2nd century BC, grape cultivation did not become widespread until the XIIth century CE, when the Cistertian Monks who founded Monasterio de Piedra planted vines all over the region.

Located on the foothills of the Moncayo peak, the Designation of origin Calatayud is a rugged region composed of a rich typology of soils: gravel, red slate, grey slate, loam, clay and iron. All have low levels of organic matter and a high limestone content. The vines are planted on mild slopes, at altitudes between 550 and 1,040 metres above sea level.

The DO Calatayud has a Continental climate, with cold winters, hot summers, a frost period which lasts between 5 and 7 months, and stark temperature differences during the hot season. Average yearly temperature is 13ºC, and average precipitation ranges between 300 and 550 mm per year.

Since the region is believed to be the cradle of Grenache, it is not surprising that the variety represents over 90% of the vineyards of the DO Calatayud. Tempranillo and Syrah are also planted in the region. As for the red wines of DO Calatayud, they are characterized by aromas of red fruits and a deep mineral character with an austere side to it.

As for the white wines of the DO Calatayud, they are typically made from Viura (known as Macabeo in Catalonia), usually complemented with other varieties. They are pale, fruit-driven, moderately alcoholic wines

Red wine varieties:

Grenache, Tempranillo, Syrah, Mazuela (Carignan), Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Bobal, Monastrell.

White wine varieties:

Viura (Macabeo), White Grenache, Malvasía, Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Sauvignon Blanc.