Somontano

The name means ‘at the foot of the mountain’ and it refers to Pyrenees. However, it is the Sierra de Guara and Sierra de Salinas which protect Somontano from the cold northern influence. In 1980 the local government encouraged Vinas del Vero to plant Tempranillo and other international varieties to add to the local Moristel and Parraleta. The total area is now doubled to nearly 4500 ha.

Located in Aragon, it has a proud history but not in terms of viticulture. The west is too extreme and unprotected for vines to flourish, to the south there is desert. However, it offers a mild climate and comparatively more rainfall than other central Spanish plateau area.

Its wines are very reliable and best value in Spain. Roughly three out of four bottles is filled by Vinas del Vero, or the model co-op Pirineos. Blecua is an ambitious estate, Laus is a stylish newcomer, and Idrias and Castillo de Monesma also impress.

Wine: Enate Rosado Cabernet Sauvignon

Region / Country: Somontano Spain

Vintage: 2007

Grape: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon

ABV: 13%                    

Price: HK$180

Tasting Date: 27 December 2011

Wineshark Score: 86

Good quality Somontano Rosado with a pinkish red colour, a reasonably intense and youthful nose of strawberry, raspberry, cranberry and ripe bilberry. Medium in acidity, the wine has a fairly light body and reasonably intense palate of strawberry, cranberry, apple and grapefruit. Fairly short in length, the wine is fruit-driven with a fragrant nose. Relatively simple on both nose and palate, the wine is ready to drink though not intend for ageing.