- Cariñena (DO)
The Cariñena "Denominación de Origen" (DO) is the largest (65,500ha) wine growing region in the
autonomous community ofAragón in northern (Spain ) and is one of the oldest protected growing areas in Europe, the DO having been created in 1932. Cariñenavineyard s are located near the centre of Aragón, about 50 km southwest ofZaragoza , on aplateau known as theCampo de Cariñena . The lower vineyards lie at an altitude of 400 m, rising to 800 m as they approach theSierra de la Virgen mountains. To the west they border on theCalatayud DO.The 1990s was a period of rapid development due partly to the numerous mergers of small wineries and cooperatives, and to the adaptation of the wines produced to a more modern palette. The traditional robust, high
alcohol contentwine s are still produced for local consumption, but now fruitier, lighter and well balanced wines are also produced in response to the tastes and preferences of the average export consumer. Exports have quadrupled since 1995 and a new research centre is helping to improve production. [http://www.winesfromspain.com/icex/cda/controller/pageGen/0,3346,1549487_4946338_4944445_1047_-1,00.html "Wines from Spain"] The region is the acknowledged source of the FrenchCarignan grape, which is also grown inItaly ,California and several other New World regions. The grape is still widely grown in Cariñena, where it tends to be better-known asMazuelo .History
The
ancient Romans founded the city ofCarae in the year 50 BC in an area where the local population had been producingmead since the 3rd century BC. During theMiddle Ages grape-growing and wine-making prospered under the protection of several monasteries, and by the 16th century vineyards covered 50% of the territory of the province of Zaragoza.Climate
The climate is continental (long, hot summers, cold winters) with extremes of
temperature over the course of the year: 38°C in summer and -8°C in winter. The “"cierzo"” a cold northerly wind, helps to keep the humidity low. The main problems for the grape-growers are the risk of hailstones, the strong winds and excessive summer heat, as drought can affect the harvest. However the large difference between daytime and night-time temperatures is a positive contributory factor to the characteristic intensity of Cariñena wines.oil
The
topsoil is reddish-brownlimestone over asubsoil of loose rock with a highcalcium carbonate content, and in some places,slate andclay .Grape Varieties
The most widely planted variety is
Garnacha Tinta (55%) which is used to produce reds and rosés, followed byMazuelo andTempranillo (15%), whileViura (20%) is common for whites. Growers are also experimenting with foreign varieties such asChardonnay andParellada which have opened up the range of wines produced considerably in recent years. Most vines are planted on trellises ("en espaldera") in "marco real" layout with 3 m between rows and a planting density of between 1500 and 3000 vines/ha. The harvest generally starts in September. [http://www.mapa.es/es/alimentacion/pags/Denominacion/htm/carinena.htm Spanish Ministry of Agriculture (in Spanish)]Wine Production
Red wines are produced ensuring that
malolactic fermentation has been completed, thoughcarbonic maceration is also used for young wines. Selection for "Crianza", "Reserva" and "Gran Reserva" starts in the vineyards. Tempranillo is blended withGarnacha to make the "Crianza".The whites are made with Viura and the rosés use Garnacha along with other white and red varieties.The rosés do not undergo malolactic fermentation, so as to conserve all their acidity, and are macerated for colour.Wines Produced
Both the fresh young whites and rosé wines produced in Cariñena are best consumed within the year of production.Reds have the characteristic style of Garnacha wines produced in hot climates and, in the case of oak-aged Crianzas, have the taste and strength provided by 5% of Cariñena (Carignan) grapes. Dry whites represent 20% of total production. Sweet Moscatels, for which the region has long been famous, are still produced in quantity from the "Moscatel Romano" grape.
References
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