Spain

Calatayud

 

Calatayud is the center of an approximately 5,940 -acre growing area at altitudes 550-880 m above sea level. NN. This includes large parts of the Comunidad de Calatayud, a total of 46 municipalities in the valley of the Ebro and the valleys of its tributaries Jalón, Jiloca, Manubles, Mesa, Piedra and Ribota, in the western part of the province Zaragoza. The Rebland is processed by about 2700 winegrowers and there are 9 Bodegas. Calatayud received the status of D.O. in February 1990.

The export share is 70%. It produces fresh and fruity white wines, strong rosé wines based on the grape variety Garnacha and tasty, warm red wines. The price-performance ratio is often excellent.

The soils are fertile, brownish limestone soils on marly and sandstone ground, with good ventilation and drainage. The Catalayud area is the most hilly wine-growing region in the Aragon region

The climate is predominantly continental, mild, semi-dry to dry, with relevant day-night temperature differences during the maturation period, which promote the slow grape ripeness and thus the quality. The annual average temperature is between 12-14 ° C, a risk of frost exists during a 5-6 month winter time. The average annual rainfall is 300-550.

The cultivated grape varieties are:

* White: Main varieties are Macabeo (share 25% of the total vineyard), Malvasia. Also allowed are Moscatel, Garnacha Blanca and Chardonnay
* Red: Main varieties are Garnacha Tinta (share 62% of the total vineyard), Mazuela and Tempranillo (share 10%). Also approved are Monastrell, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah.