Somontano is located in the ancient Aragon s kingdom of Sobrarbe in the province of Huesca. It is an isolated, well-defined viticultural region in a protected amphitheater at the base of the Pyren es, high enough to escape the Mediterranean climate of the Ebro River Valley below. The registered vineyard area of Somontano is small, only 4,200 acres. The soils are well-drained chalk and sand. Glacial runoff provides moisture during summer drought while the Pyren es provide tempering north winds.
Viticultural reorganization is currently in full swing, as plantings are mixed and of advanced age.
Increasing investment, both from the government of Arag n and elsewhere, is backing experiments with French grape varieties and increasing plantings of the Tempranillo in an effort to join the lite of Europe's quality wine regions. Varietal experimentation, however, only serves to cloud Somontano's most alluring story the existence of an indigenous, high-quality red grape called Moristel. It is a natural product of its mountain climate, being loose-bunched, delicate of skin, bright of flavor and low in oxidative enzymes. Although capable of aging, the young wine from this grape is simply delicious, with a velvety and tender texture, vibrant loganberry aroma and most importantly, individuality. The object was preservation of this endangered viticultural jewel through realization of its potential to produce an intensely fruity yet elegant and dry red wine of noble stature.