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This region, rich in history, was once the home of celebrated 16th century royals Ferdinand and Isabella and their daughter, Catherine of Aragon, maligned first wife of England’s King Henry VIII. Aragon is spread between the Pyrenees at the French border to the central Iberian plateau.
Because the climate ranges from cool, mountainous conditions to warmer climates in lower elevations, many different styles of grapes are grown.
It is home to four D.O.’s:
Somontano at the foot of the Pyrenees makes well received whites, reds and rosados with a far range of varietals grown, such as Tinto del País (Tempranillo), Garnacha, Macabeo as well as many other classic French grapes such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah.
Cariñena is named after the grape, which had been the main planting until the popularity of Garnacha took over.
Other red grapes grown include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah and its most popular white is Viura.
Juicy rosados are also made in the region and sweet wines from Moscatel.
Campo de Borja is dominated by Garnacha plantings, with wines that are concentrated and robust, often from older vines. Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Mazuelo and Syrah are also grown here and used for blends.
Calatayud is also highly Garnacha-driven. Wines made from vines 50 years or older are known as Calatayud Superior and can be as elegant as they are powerful.
Tempranillo and Mazuelo sometimes go into blends. Whites are made from Viura (Macabeo), Malvasia and Chardonnay. Rosados from Garnacha are also popular.
