Cariñena

Grapes have been cultivated in the Cariñena region since Roman times.

One of Spain's first designations of origin, the DO Cariñena -not to be confused with the Cariñena or Carignan variety, named after the region - was established in 1932. The origins of viticulture in the area go back to the 3rd century BC. However, and as it happened in other Spanish regions, the great expansion of grape cultivation in the region was due to Medieval Monks. As a result of their effort, in the XVIth century no less than half of the province of Zaragoza was planted with vineyards. In fact, vineyard planting become so widespread that it was oficially banned in 1694.

The DO Cariñena comprises 14 villages located in the heart of Aragón, 48 kilometres southeast of Zaragoza. The vineyards are at altitudes of 400 to 800 metres above sea level, in an area known as Campo de Cariñena, which borders the DO Calatayud to the west.

The highest area of the region is composed of very poor, rocky soils which are very difficult to work. This is why over 80% of the vines are on the plain which runs parallel to the Algairén mountain range. The area has four main types of soils: gravel, clay, sand and granite.

The DO Cariñena has an extreme Continental climate. Summers are excruciatingly hot, and in winter temperatures frequently go below -5ºC. Rainfalls are scarce, and this fact, together with the Cierzo, a relentless, dry northern wind, has created a barren, semi-arid landscape. Nonetheless, those factors, together with the stark differences of temperature between daytime and nighttime in the hot season, give the wines from the DO Cariñena a remarkable depth and concentration.

The red wines make the bulk of all the wines from the DO Cariñena. They are typically made from Grenache, which may be nuanced with a dollop of Carignan. The former is the most planted variety in the area, covering over 55% of the total vineyard surface.

The region also produces some uncomplicated, easy-to-drink rosé wines and white wines.

Red wine varieties:

Grenache, Carignan, Cabernet Sauvignon, Juan Ibáñez, Merlot, Monastrell, Syrah, Tempranillo, Vidadillo.

White wine varieties:

White Grenache, Chardonnay, Macabeo, Moscatel de Alejandría, Parellada.